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GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT MACROBRACHIUM ROSENBERGII
(MACROBRACHIUM ROSENBERGII)
Azimov Mukhiddinjon Mansurovich
Teacher, Kokand State University
Ismailova Nafosat Jakhongir qizi
Student, Kokand State University
Abstract:
The article provides detailed information about the appearance, distribution, care,
breeding, and reproduction of the species Macrobrachium rosenbergii.
Keywords:
Macrobrachium rosenbergii, freshwater prawn, predatory prawn, cannibalism,
aquarium keeping, brackish-water larvae, ornamental prawn, food industry, molting, migratory
species.
General Information
Macrobrachium rosenbergii is a large freshwater prawn belonging to the family Palaemonidae.
While its natural habitat is in South and Southeast Asia, due to artificial introduction, it is now
found in many regions worldwide. Macrobrachium rosenbergii can reach impressive sizes, with a
div length of up to 30 cm and claws extending up to 50 cm.
This species holds significant importance in the food industry, being commercially farmed in
specialized facilities. Additionally, its striking appearance makes it a popular exhibit in public
aquariums. However, keeping them in home aquariums is relatively challenging—they require
large tanks, and cohabitation with other aquatic animals is difficult due to their predatory nature.
These prawns may hunt small fish and other prawns, and cannibalism is common, with weaker
or injured individuals often falling prey to their tankmates.
Appearance
Macrobrachium rosenbergii has a typical decapod crustacean div structure. The front part
(cephalothorax) is covered by a hard chitinous carapace, while the rear (abdomen) consists of
segmented sections ending in a fan-shaped tail fin. The tail is highly mobile, with swimming
appendages (pleopods) underneath. The cephalothorax features sharp protrusions housing the
eyes, mouth, and sensory antennae.
This prawn has five pairs of walking legs, one of which is exceptionally long (often twice the
div length) and ends in claws used for hunting.
Their coloration is striking, typically dominated by brown hues, though dominant males may
develop a blue tint. The claws also undergo color changes—juveniles have brown claws, which
turn red as they mature and eventually blue upon reaching sexual maturity.
Under ideal conditions, their lifespan is around four years.
Distribution
The natural range of Macrobrachium rosenbergii is extensive, spanning coastal waters from India
to Southeast Asia, including islands along the Pacific and Indian Ocean borders. Due to their
high culinary value, they are actively farmed and have been introduced to regions such as East
Asia, New Zealand, Africa, and even parts of Central America.
These prawns prefer calm, vegetated waters with rocky or sandy substrates and tree roots. They
are primarily nocturnal and are migratory, often traveling long distances to brackish estuaries for
reproduction, as their larvae require saline water to develop.
Care and Maintenance
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112
Keeping Macrobrachium rosenbergii in an aquarium requires a tank of at least 500 liters for two
to three individuals. It is advisable to keep only one male to avoid aggression. Interestingly, these
prawns exhibit a strict hierarchy, with a dominant "blue-clawed" male suppressing the sexual
development of other males.
Substrate choice is flexible, but ample hiding spots—such as rocks, driftwood, and ceramic
caves—are essential. Live plants are not recommended, as the prawns may damage them;
artificial plants are a better alternative.
A powerful external filter (e.g., Tetra EX1200 Plus) is necessary to maintain water quality. A
heater should keep the temperature at 25°C or higher, as this is optimal for the prawns.
Weekly 20% water changes are crucial to prevent toxin buildup. New water should be treated
with a conditioner like Tetra Crusta AquaSafe to neutralize chlorine and heavy metals.
Like other crustaceans, Macrobrachium rosenbergii molts regularly, shedding its exoskeleton to
grow. Molting is a critical and vulnerable period. Males may protect molting females but can
also become prey themselves if they molt in the presence of aggressive tankmates. Juveniles
molt every 2–3 days, while adults do so every few months.
Ideal water parameters:
- Temperature: 26–30°C
- pH: 7.0–8.0
- GH (general hardness): 8–20 dGH
Compatibility
A species-only tank is best for Macrobrachium rosenbergii, as they are highly aggressive. Even
in spacious setups, conflicts between males are common, and weaker individuals may be
attacked.
They should not be housed with small fish, which they will hunt. Conversely, large or aggressive
fish may damage the prawns’ appendages. Suitable tankmates include large, peaceful fish like
shark catfish or armored catfish (Pterygoplichthys, Platydoras, or Synodontis).
Feeding
Macrobrachium rosenbergii is omnivorous and will eat almost anything. A balanced diet of
plant- and animal-based foods is essential. Specialized prawn foods, such as Tetra Crusta or
Tetra WaferMix, are ideal as they sink quickly and provide complete nutrition.
Breeding and Reproduction
Breeding Macrobrachium rosenbergii in home aquariums is nearly impossible because their
larvae require brackish water to develop. In the wild, larvae drift to estuaries and return to
freshwater after reaching ~1 cm in size. Sexual maturity is reached at 4–5 months.
Mating occurs after a female molts. The female carries fertilized eggs on her pleopods, where
water currents ensure oxygenation. A single female can produce between 20,000 and 150,000
eggs.
Commercial farming is the primary method of production for food purposes.
References :
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Conservation. Berlin: Springer Nature.
3.
IUCN
Red
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(2022).
Palaemon
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Global
Population
Status.
https://www.iucnredlist.org
4. Tetra AquaBlog (2023). Keeping and Caring for Aquarium Prawns. https://blog.tetra.net/ru/ru
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5. Азимов, Мухиддинжон Мансурович, et al. "КЕЙСЛАРДАН ФОЙДАЛАНИБ
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