Growth comparison between post-larvae from cultured and wild spawners of Indian white shrimp, Penaeus indicus, in commercial farms in north Persian Gulf, Bushehr, Iran

 Post larvae of wild and cultured spawners of the Indian white shrimp (Penaeus indicus, Milne Edwards, 1837) were reared to market size, in commercial ponds of shrimp farming site of Helleh, in Bushehr Province, during a six months period. Environmental factors, management process and the diet used to feed shrimps were almost similar for both treatments. Averages of the weight, length, specific growth rate, food conversion ratio and survival rate were measured and compared between the two treatments at harvesting time. Results indicated that, the post larvae of wild spawners had better growth, higher survival rate, and lower food conversion ratio. Weight gain of abdominal portion of the body, was higher in wild post larvae (P < 0.01), which was in contrast to cephalothorax weight (P < 0.01). Length-weight relationship measurements illustrated that, cultured post larvae obtained from wild spawners had similar size and were more acceptable for the market. Broodstock background could be the main reason for given differences, in which, those captured from the sea, had better condition due to receiving appropriate food with higher genetic diversity. To produce high quality post larvae for the expanding shrimp farming industry as an economic activity in the country, it is suggested that broodstocks to be obtained either from the sea as sub-adults or matured spawners, or to be provide from culturing shrimps, raised in conditions closest to the nature (i.e., ambient factors, prepared diets) and also with appropriate genetic diversity.