What is it about?
Shrimp farming often struggles with devastating infectious diseases. Our research explores a natural defense strategy: co-culturing marine algae directly with Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). We found that shrimp raised with various algae species (like Gracilaria, Dictyota, and Ulva) showed better growth and significantly improved their immune systems. This enhanced immunity helped them better fight off infections from harmful bacteria (Vibrio parahaemolyticus) and a deadly virus (White Spot Syndrome Virus), increasing their survival. The algae also boosted the shrimp's antioxidant defenses and helped maintain better water quality.
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Why is it important?
This study offers a sustainable, natural way to enhance shrimp immunity and survival against major diseases, reducing reliance on conventional treatments. It can improve farm profitability and environmental sustainability.
Perspectives
We envision applying these findings to develop eco-friendly, integrated aquaculture systems. Future research could focus on identifying the specific immune-boosting compounds in different algae species and optimizing co-culture methods for commercial-scale shrimp production, potentially leading to healthier, more resilient shrimp farms globally.
Dr. Anselmo Miranda-Baeza
Universidad Estatal de Sonora
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Effects of a co-culture of marine algae and shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) on the growth, survival and immune response of shrimp infected with Vibrio parahaemolyticus and white spot virus (WSSV), Fish & Shellfish Immunology, April 2019, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2018.12.071.
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