How to Start a Shrimp Farm

Shrimp are grown largely in Asia. In the U.S., they are raised under conditions that are highly controlled. What does intensive shrimp farming require? What conditions should be met? What equipments are needed? What can you expect under this type of shrimp farming? Find out the answers to these questions from our guide.

Much of the world’s demand for shrimp worldwide is supplied by farms from Asia, where they are grown in ponds, near a coast, in mangrove areas and rice paddies.

Shrimp farms in these regions can be grown in small tanks using low technology. In the U.S., shrimps are grown in highly controlled conditions.

Shrimp Farming Basics

Shrimp are typically grown in brackish water. A female shrimp lays thousands to millions of eggs, which hatch after about a day. The nauplii, as the hatched shrimp is called, are fed algae and brine shrimp nauplii. The nauplii develop into young shrimps after about 12 days. Some farms put the nauplii or postlarvae in nurseries before transferring them to grownout ponds, others use acclimation tanks to prepare the shrimp for transfer to grownout ponds. The transfer usually occurs around the 25th day. The young shrimp stays in the pond until they are harvested after about three to six months after hatching. Shrimp are harvested by net fishing or by draining the pond. Harvests are done once a year, but in tropical climates, where water temperature is higher, a farm could harvest two to three times a year.

Shrimps can be grown using minimum intervention or with the use of ultra-high technology. In low-technology farming, natural saltwater is used by situating the farm in coasts or mangrove areas. Shrimp density is kept low, which is 2-3 shrimp per square meter. No pumps are employed, and water exchange is left to tidal action.

Similar Articles

Intensive Fish Farming

To hasten the shrimp growing cycle or to produce shrimp that are of uniform size, conditions must be controlled (size uniformity is one criteria with which shrimps are graded). A farming technology developed in Texas, called Galveston or “clear water” hatchery employs intensive control to breed shrimp in industrial scale. Large-scale hatcheries like this usually augment young shrimp diet of algae with commercial feed. They use big tanks that could hold up to 30 tons.

As conditions are highly controlled, it is possible to produce seedstock whole year round and to stock shrimp at higher densities. As it is possible to stock more shrimp per unit area, the pond used could be smaller. In this setup, aeration is needed to keep oxygen supply at the desired level. High water exchange is also necessary to clean the water of wastes. And so is twenty-four hour monitoring. Survival rates and yield are higher for this kind of farming. Understandably, production cost is also higher.

For resources, visit the Web site of the US Marine Shrimp Farming Program.

Recommended Articles

  • Starting Salt Water Fish Business
    It appears that it is not difficult to search for inexpensive salt water fish tanks. Since starting salt water fish business is not simple for newbies, make sure that you know all things about it.
  • Cost of Fish Farming
    Are you looking for some ideas on the costs for fish farming? Here is some important information you should consider to deal with the fish farming costs.

739 Comments

  • Partha Roy said on April 23, 2009
    I am interested in INTENSIVE SHRIMP FARMING in KOLKATA, 24PGS(S), INDIA, Please send me the details for the same. Regards, Partha Roy
  • elias said on May 2, 2009
    i am interested in shrimps farming, i am from Lebanon, please help me.
  • alfred awai said on May 9, 2009
    I am interested in shrimp farming in florida... please send me details for the same thank you...alfred
  • Sarah said on May 26, 2009
    I am interested in raising shrimp in Florida. We live on the river and would like to raise them so we don't have to constantly buy them for bait. Can you help me?
  • Ramzi Tatanaki said on May 30, 2009
    I'm seriously planing to start a shrimp farming business in Libya. I've been doing many researches but still not satisfied with what i know. if its no trouble i'd like a lot of help from an expert.
  • Gustavo Vasquez said on May 31, 2009
    I have a farm in North Carolina and would like to know if I am able to start a shrimp business. Please contact me via email at gstv_vasquez@yahoo.com
  • Richard James said on June 8, 2009
    I live in the Caribbean which has perfect temperature for shrimp. Please send more details.
  • mukhtar said on June 10, 2009
    Respected Sir/ MAM, I am interested in fish farming in KOLKATA, INDIA.. can u please guide me? regards, Mukhtar
  • vic said on June 11, 2009
    i am in fish farming business, i am interested in shrimp farm in nigeria. please help out.
  • Hanes said on June 17, 2009
    i am interested to start a shrimp farm in Philippines, please send details on how to start the business and what are the conditions that i need to take note of. thanks.
  • john said on June 18, 2009
    I want to start a large jumbo size shrimp farming business and sell the shrimp to make a living. What do I do? thanks, john
  • aju said on June 27, 2009
    Hi, I want to breed shrimp in tanks (at home) in freshwater Help.
  • KT said on July 4, 2009
    I want more information to raise shrimp in my greenhouses in NJ, freshwater
  • Bindhu said on July 18, 2009
    I would like to start shrimp farm in tanks at home on small scale basis. Please advise
  • mohsin khan said on July 21, 2009
    i want to start a large fresh water prawn business in the midwest. start small & grow from there where do i start. how much land, what kind of water source, what kind of tanks to build size depth etc? thank you mohsin khan
  • tamer said on July 25, 2009
    hello, i'm interested to get more information and help. please send me more details.
  • Saleem Haq said on July 26, 2009
    i want to start a shrimp farming in small tanks at my home, please advise the size of the tank and other things what should i do to begin?
  • Cloyd Waite said on July 29, 2009
    i'm interested to get more information and help. please send more details.
  • samir das said on July 30, 2009
    let me know details
  • Larry said on August 11, 2009
    i'm interested in shrimp farming and i'm in nigeria. can you send me details on how to start and how to get post larvae and conditions for starting a shrimp farm
  • Ranjan Pandit said on August 16, 2009
    Please help me in starting a small shrimp farm in India.
  • Mohammad Kamali said on August 17, 2009
    I am very serious about shrimp farm in United Arab Emirates ( Dubai). I would like to know the whole idea and the cost, So please let me know, I will be very grateful.
  • Mario said on August 18, 2009
    I would like to start a shrimp farm in the Bahamas, need some info on getting started pleas.
  • Sa'ad said on August 20, 2009
    i am planning to start a shrimp farm in Qatar, and i need to have the right person with good experience to start such business, or joint venture. please contact me at s2uni@yahoo.com
  • Prasad Batavia said on August 22, 2009
    Hi, I want to start Shrimp farming In thane, Maharashtra. Can you guys please help.
  • Remedios said on August 24, 2009
    I am interested in shrimp farming business? Is it possible in fresh water? Please give me some tips or guide to start a basic business. I have a pool which is idle, hence, my interest. thanks and more power!
  • nikki said on August 26, 2009
    i would like info. on starting a shrimp farm for my mom she is really interested in it thank you
  • Scott Smith said on August 30, 2009
    I am interested in converting 3 large catfish ponds into shrimp ponds. Please send me more information and tips on the conversion of freshwater shrimp ponds.
  • Ely said on August 31, 2009
    I'm planing to make a fresh water shrimp farm in country with 4 seasons-spring, summer, autumn, winter. Please send me information for the size of the tanks, for the water condition, for everything... And is it possible to keep in touch with you? We would like to see a real working farm in USA, Florida, Texas or California. THANK YOU SO MUCH
  • Rabi said on August 31, 2009
    I am interested in shrimps farming in Lebanon; please provide me with further details
  • manzer uldey said on September 4, 2009
    I am interested in sea water prawns farming in maharashtra. where i do have land closed to sea.
  • ranjit said on September 7, 2009
    I am planning to start a shirmp farm. Please help. thanks, Ranjit
  • mouawad said on September 12, 2009
    i am interested in shrimps farm in lebanon. can you send details please
  • Neelesh said on September 16, 2009
    wanna know about prawn farming. can you give the details.
  • Brian said on September 24, 2009
    I would like info on starting out small and cheap
  • Nagarajan said on September 27, 2009
    I have 14 years of shrimp farm management experience both in India and abroad, If any big concern wants consultancy or offering employment I am ready to serve..
  • viju said on September 30, 2009
    i am interested in prawns farming and i would like to know more about it
  • benson said on October 7, 2009
    i would like information on starting a prawn farming business in st lucia. i would love to get all the details possible
  • brittney curry said on October 7, 2009
    I have a friend who wants to start a shrimp farming business i needs some ideas. I want to start as well.
  • Jimmy Sutherland said on October 8, 2009
    I am interested in starting a small indoor shrimp farm. Can you direct me to some websites.
  • selva said on October 10, 2009
    I'm thinking of starting a small prawn farm. Since I am new to this, any guidance will be appreciated. Anyone who have idea and information about it can email me at selva.kumar@itsmychoice.in. Thank you.
  • power said on October 10, 2009
    I'm seriously considering starting shrimp, fish and pig farms in my homeland of jamaica any form of consultation on this would be very appreciated. Any information on these 3 projects can be e-mailed to me at ppow005@aol.com. If possible please include all financial cost including estimated venture capital on maximizing size of product and volume
  • shakir mohammed said on October 19, 2009
    i am interested to start a shrimp farming project in goa. please send me the details, it is urgent.
  • Larry said on November 7, 2009
    looking to start a shrimp farm in nigeria and need costings on how to go about it usd preferred
  • geetha said on November 14, 2009
    I am seriously interested in starting a prawn farm in tamilnadu, please send me details on the complete project or direct me to training programs conducted or where i can get the complete details of the same. contact me at drgeethavet@gmail.com
  • Igbagiri Ibbo Patrick said on November 19, 2009
    I am seriously interested in starting a prawn farm in Rivers State Nigeria. please send me detail information on how to go about this project or direct me to training programs conducted or where i can get the complete details of the same. contact me at oworodo@yahoo.com
  • Gafar Abiola said on November 21, 2009
    I'm interested in prawn farming. Please send me procedures in setting up a prawn farm. I live in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, South-Western part of Nigeria.
  • chak said on November 23, 2009
    I and my team have experience in animal feeding business in poultry, pig, duck, fish farming for more than 30 years. Any people, or group of these kind of business would like to hire consultancy, or hire us. please contact to my e-mail address Chakraphol_s@hotmail.com, we also have feeds formulator from Taiwan
  • Nishant Ranjan said on November 23, 2009
    I am interested to start shrimp farming in Bihar, India. Plz help me about the basic necessity for the requirement of the geographical atmosphere to start the same
  • Rommel Flores said on November 24, 2009
    I am interested to start a prawn business in philippines, i wanna know the details..I hope you can help me. please send me the details and procedures to my email ad rfmv22@yahoo.co.uk..thank you
  • v.p.kumar said on November 25, 2009
    In India, if you have any doubt regarding shrimp farm other wise started shrimp farm and technical consultant contact this id. i'll discuss. Thankingyou
  • geetha said on November 27, 2009
    hello Mr.v.p.kumar. can i get your contact details to know about prawn farming
  • Roy Masifilo said on November 27, 2009
    I am interested to start a prawn business in the Pacific. I want to know how to farm prawn. Please send me details and procedures of anything that might help me to start farming prawn. My email lotoitimasifilo@ymail.com thank you.
  • Troy said on November 28, 2009
    I am interested in starting a shrimp farm in Indiana. Would start up costs to get production levels to be profitable. Any info would be great.
  • Taiyab said on November 29, 2009
    Hi, i want to start a shrimp farming business in chennai, can you please help me in this regards. Awaiting for your early reply. thanks.
  • Brant said on November 29, 2009
    Hello, I would like information on starting a Fresh Water shrimp/prawn business in California. I would also like to know if this can be done in a controlled warehouse environment, and if so, how many gallons do the tanks have to be and how deep should the ponds/tanks ideally be. Thank you, Brant
  • Kedar said on December 4, 2009
    hii.....i am interested in Prawns/Shrimp farming in Pune, Maharashtra. I am already into Poultry & Emu farming business can you please mail me the details for the same & if possible approx costing. Mail me on kedar_b2127@hotmail.com Thanks..........
  • Mohammed Fadel said on December 4, 2009
    I am very much interested in developing this business in Yemen, MiddleEast, and would be grateful if could help me to answer some questions and look for consulting company. Best regards,
  • Marc said on December 5, 2009
    Live near Calgary, Alberta. Would like info on how to start the process, materials required, etc.
  • Zahir said on December 6, 2009
    Tarlac Mayantoc, Philippine. I'm seriously planing to start a shrimp farming business in Tarlac Philippine. If its no trouble i'd like a lot of help from an expert. Regards, Zahir
  • kannan said on December 9, 2009
    I am in Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India. I have 5 acres of land that is not used for any cultivation. I want to start prawn culture. What is the cost involved and the business opportunities available? How much water is required? Mail me to kannanjune13@gmail.com
  • Gee T said on December 18, 2009
    Interested in prawn farming in Caribbean and South India. Please send information regarding start up costs, working capital, land requirements etc. Many thanks
  • dinanath karmakar said on December 18, 2009
    i'm going to join as a aquaculturist in a company. i have some basic idea but i want to know the details of culture of shrimp which will help me in future very much i need it very soon
  • issam haffar said on December 19, 2009
    i would like to find an investor to make investments in shrimp farm in sudan and the study for this projects is ready and the land is ready looking to hear from you if you are interested. note the project cost/ 35,000,000 usd /with out the land cost but we have partner can give the land. my email:haffaris@gmail.com
  • doug winborn said on December 22, 2009
    I am in southern middle Tennessee and am very interested in freshwater shrimp farming, any information you can give me would be great. I would like to know about start up, where to buy any supplies needed, how to harvest, etc. Thank you
  • yohaan tavadia said on December 23, 2009
    I am in gujarat and want to learn about fresh water shrimp farming. I need all the details for the same. how should be the location of the farm. what would suit the best
  • naeem abbas said on December 26, 2009
    hi, i am living in uk but sooner moving to dubai, only to start shrimp farm production on commercial levels. i wonder if some one can advice me better. thanks
  • milind said on December 29, 2009
    I am starting my business in Kelshi, Raigad, Maharastra, India. Would you please provide me more detail about the business. Which type of Shrimp available and which is best and fast growing shrimp in indian atmosphere. Reagrds, Milind
  • Muthukumar said on January 1, 2010
    I'm a shrimp farming and hatchery consultant having more than 20 years of work experience in the shrimp aquaculture industry. If anybody interested in venturing into this field kindly contact @ pearlmk@yahoo.com.
  • kafui klutse said on January 2, 2010
    I want to start a commercial lobster and shrimp farming in ghana. please can you provide me with more information about the process and also where i could source any equipment from as a start up.
  • ather khan said on January 2, 2010
    hi, i am ather from west bengal, india and want to start a fresh water prawn farm. plz help me.
  • Muthukumar said on January 4, 2010
    Hello Mr.Naeem Abbas, I'm a shrimp farming consultant. Kindly contact me through mail. pearlmk@yahoo.com.
  • Carlton said on January 6, 2010
    Hi my name is Carlton I really want to start a shrimp farm, but all the info I'm getting on how to is not in sequence and I dont have a clear understanding. If you would please help me step by step. I really would prefer an indoor shrimp farm but help me with what you can shrimp, fish and prawn farming. Thank You
  • Toufic Rizkallah said on January 7, 2010
    Dear Sir/Madam, Would you please provide me with all necessary steps to start a shrimp farm in south Lebanon together with necessary helpful experts addresses and phone numbers. Thank you and best regards, Toufic Rizkallah
  • Kashif Kamal said on January 9, 2010
    Hi, could you please assist me how to start Shrimp farming? What capital, technical expertise, human resources are required to start? I am looking to start a business but have no idea where is the thread? Pls help. Kashif Dubai-UAE
  • MK said on January 9, 2010
    Hello Mr.Toufic Rizkallah, I'm a shrimp farming consultant. Kindly contact me with your details through mail -pearlmk@yahoo.com. Rgds
  • Buckshot Nickson said on January 9, 2010
    I am interested in starting a freshwater shrimp farm raising Giant Malasian prawn in shallow tanks inside my greenhouse. Has this been done in Middle Tennessee? If so in need the information Please
  • Herman G. said on January 11, 2010
    Dear Sir/ Madam, I am a student, a shrimp farm owner, and a shrimp farm consultant also. I have plenty of Experiences to share. If you are interested please provide me with these information, so I can get started:
    #1. Daily Range of rain falls for the past 3 months.
    #2. Daily Range pH water and water temperature for the past 1 Week. (day and Night)
    #3. Tested soil pH on the area, take about 10 samples 15 - 20 cm below the surface soil.
    #4. The Map Location of your going to be Shrimp Farm.
    #5. Design layout of your proposed shrimp farming. for i.e. Inlet, outlet, reservoir, & shrimp production area, etc.
    #6. Cost of Electricity Bill per 1 Watts of Electricity.
    #7. Cost of labor per 1 Person.
    #8. Cost of Technical Support per 1 Person.
    #9. The selling prices for prawn in your country.
    #10. Tested water parameters for Heavy metals, such as Ferous, Alluminum, & Mangan, etc.
    #11. What do you want to make out of your shrimp farm?
    I will assess these answers and will try to help you trouble shoots. Thanks. kyo4eva@msn.com <--- my email.
  • Ashwin R Sawant said on January 16, 2010
    Respected SIR/MAM I AM INTERESTED IN FISH FARMING. I HAVE 90000 sq/ft plot in PUNE District, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA. I HAVE PLENTY OF PLAIN WATER SUPPLY. TEMP IS APPRO 22 DEGREE CELSIUS. I AM INTERESTED IN FARMING OF PRAWNS, LOBSTER AND OTHER FISHES ALSO. PLEASE SUGGEST ME EITHER I CAN HAVE SUCH PRODUCTION AT THAT PLACE AND THE TECHNIQUE. PLEASE SUGGEST ME. WAITING FOR UR REPLY. THANKS. ASHWIN
  • christy said on January 16, 2010
    i am interested in starting a freshwater shrimp farm. Would you please provide me with all the necessary steps to start a outside shrimp farm in Ohio. thank you.
  • Muthukumar said on January 17, 2010
    Hi Christy, I am a shrimp farming consultant from India. I have ideas and tips to provide you. If you are interested so kindly contact me through pearlmk@yahoo.com. Thanks in advance.
  • Dominica said on January 17, 2010
    I am located in the island of dominica in the carribean. My land borders a river and I am interested in starting a small project of prawn farming. Can some one please assist me with some information on how to get started ???
  • Samuel Ndiwe said on January 18, 2010
    I am interested in setting up a shrimp farm in Abuja Nigeria. I am looking at an earth pond. Please advice me on proper way to go about, equipments needed and any other help you can render. I am a novice but very eager to learn
  • Herman G said on January 19, 2010
    Christy, Muthukumar, Samuel Ndiwe, & ashwin please provide me ur information through EMAIL @ kyo4eva@msn.com. I will try to update with the information asap.
  • Salman said on January 19, 2010
    Hi Everyone, I wanted to start prawn business please advice me in details because i am new into this business. Warm Regards, Salman ansari
  • Muthukumar said on January 20, 2010
    Herman, Please be informed that i'm a shrimp farming and hatchery operations consultant.
  • RANDY said on January 22, 2010
    I am interested in starting a shrimp farm in indiana. Can you help with any information on how to get started? thank you.
  • Muthukumar said on January 23, 2010
    Hi Randy, I am a shrimp farming consultant. I have ideas and tips to provide you. If you are interested kindly contact me through my mail-id pearlmk@yahoo.com. Thanks in advance
  • Gary said on January 23, 2010
    Interested in learning more about shrimp farming in Ohio. Thanks
  • Ron Moore said on January 25, 2010
    how do i start shrimp farming business in Freeport, Texas, USA
  • Gogo said on January 28, 2010
    Hi, I want to start shrimp farming, 2.7 hectors, lebanon
  • MIKE SEELAL said on January 29, 2010
    I am interested in starting a shrimp farm in long island new york. It would be for commercial between 50-100 acres, Can you provide expert help with the cost and number of jobs it would create? Please call me at 631 275 4152 if possible.
  • Igor said on January 29, 2010
    Hello, Where I can buy prawns Macrobrachium Rosenbergii and Black Tiger prawns for farming. Please somebody can tell me. I am living in Montreal.
  • Smriti Chhabra said on January 30, 2010
    Hi, this is Smriti and am exploring options and information about shrimp farming. Am currently in Mumbai, India but am looking at starting this in karnataka, india. Would be of great help if i could get some more information regarding this. Thanks.
  • MK said on February 1, 2010
    Hi Mike Seelal, Shrimp farming is more lucrative business and it can provide lot of employment opportunity. It requires more of technical staff and some unskilled workers for only feeding the shrimps. I have been in this line for more than two decades. You can contact me at +91-44-9884117217 for more information.
  • MK said on February 1, 2010
    Hi Smriti, For doing Shrimp farming on a commercial scale you require lot of land. You require a minimum of 1 hectare sized earthen pond. You also need a hatchery for producing shrimp fry( baby shrimps) but it is not a must 'coz many hatcheries are running in operation( on the both the coast) so you can buy from them. Infact you can take up the already existing shrimp farms on leased basis. In Palghar dist. some shrimp farms and hatcheries are available. For further details you can contact me at pearlmk@yahoo.com.
  • Jose Feliz said on February 2, 2010
    I m interested in intensive shrimp farming in fresh water lake 22-23 oC and shrimp farming in salt water lake 23oC with 50% more salt that sea water. In separated place of the farm I want to produce tilapia fresh water and trout salt water. Is in Enriquillo Lake Jimani and Cabral Lake(Laguna de Cabral) Barahona Dominican Republic. Is a tropical zone next to Haiti Republic. My E-mail: Feliz.jose9@gmail.com
  • GERMAN POVEDA said on February 4, 2010
    I'm interested in shrimp farming in freshwater in south America. we are near a river. help please thanks
  • MK said on February 5, 2010
    Hi GERMAN POVEDA, Shrimp farming is more lucrative business and it can provide lot of employment opportunity. I have been in this line for more than two decades. You can contact me at pearlmk@yahoo.com for more information.
  • biker mike said on February 5, 2010
    hi i am wondering where i can buy either, eggs or small shrimp to raise for me to eat. i live in new york and would be housing everything in my green house that way they make the winter (it stays about 75 in there even in the winter). the only problem is that i can't find anywhere to start me off. i'm looking for either eggs or young shrimp 30-60 days old, if anyone knows where i can get them or sells them please email me Bikermike@optonline.net.

Comment

(All the above fields are required.)