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Utilization of micro-snail Stenothyra species as a co-feed for giant tiger prawn
Author(s)
Pinphoo, Piyarat
Thuamsuwan, Worachet
Janeauksorn, Kittipong
Meethong, Grissada
Songphatkaew, Jaruwan
Hamano, Kaoru
Tsutsui, Isao
Date Issued
June 1, 2026
Type
Article
Abstract
Giant tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) is one of the most commercially important species in global intensive shrimp aquaculture. However, rising fishmeal prices have driven increases in feed costs, prompting some farmers to use lower-quality feeds, which can negatively affect shrimp growth performance. Natural micro-snails, such as Stenothyra sp., have been identified as potential co-feeds for P. monodon. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of Stenothyra sp. as a co-feed on the growth performance and feed efficiency of P. monodon. Juvenile shrimp were assigned to two treatment groups (n = 20 per group): control (fed artificial pellets) and co-feed (fed artificial pellets supplemented with live micro-snails). The specific growth rate was higher in the co-feed group (8.4 ± 0.11% per day) than that in the control group (7.2 ± 0.34% per day). The final body weight was approximately 61% higher in the co-feed group than that in the control group. Similarly, feed efficiency (119.6 ± 2.73% vs. 77.5 ± 2.90%) and total protein intake (6.8 ± 0.17 g vs. 1.7 ± 0.06 g) were significantly higher in the co-feed group than those in the control group, indicating better feed and nutrient utilization following Stenothyra sp. supplementation. In conclusion, under the tested conditions, providing Stenothyra sp. as a co-feed improved growth performance and feed efficiency in juvenile P. monodon, possibly due to increased total protein intake. Overall, this study presents an innovative co-feeding strategy with potential benefits; however, its broader practical and economic implications require further evaluation.
Citation
Aquaculture International, 34(5), 2026