Penaeus monodon (Fabricius) and Penaeus merguiensis (de Man) biculture in East Java, Indonesia

Shrimp farmers in South-East Java have recently observed a decline in Penaeus monodon (Fabricius) production. To stabilize overall production, some farms have switched partially to biculture of P. monodon and P. merguiensis (de Man). The production from 33 ponds in two of these farms was analysed. In addition, the water quality in 10 ponds was monitored over the entire culture period. Information was also available on the post-larvae (PL) source and feed used per pond. Water quality remained stable during the culture period and there was no accumulation of organic material during the second half of the culture period. Stocking P. merguiensis 2 months after P. monodon partially compensated for the low production of P. monodon, thereby stabilizing overall production. When the production of P. monodon is low, the production of P. merguiensis is high and vice versa (P<0.001). Feed source had no effect on production when stocking density was included as a covariable in the analysis (P>0.05), while P. monodon PL source caused production to differ by a factor of three (P<0.001). It was concluded that biculture of P. monodon and P. merguiensis is an effective way to stabilize overall shrimp production.