Design, Operation and Economics of a Small-Scale Hatchery for the Larval Rearing of Fugpo, Penaeus Monodon Fab.
The economic importance of the Penaeus Monodon Fabricus (sugpo, prawn) cannot be overemphasized. This is evidenced by the interest shown by aquaculturists in Southeast Asia in the mass culture of this species. One of the major problems in the mass production of sugpo is how to obtain a constant supply of fry. Since ultimately it is the private sector which should produce the sugpo fry to fill the needs of the industry, the Barangay Hatchery Project under the Prawn Program of the Aquaculture Department of SEAFDEC has scaled down hatchery technology from large tanks to a level which can be adopted by the private sector, especially in the villages, with a minimum of financial and technical inputs. This guide to small-scale hatchery operations is expected to generate more enthusiasm among fish farmers interested in venturing into sugpo culture.