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Observations and analysis of the food and feeding habits of penaeid shrimp are decisive for understanding food webs and ecological processes. Published information on the feeding habits of the green shrimp, Penaeus semisulcatus De Haan, 1844 , from Indian waters, however, dates back four decades, despite the fact that green tiger shrimp is one of the important shrimp species that forms a unique fishery in Palk Bay, on the southeastern India. Hence, its dietary preferences were analysed concerning sex, season, gonad maturity, and size. The species preyed on were composed of diversified components, with mollusc remains being the most common food item in females, followed by crustacean remains, whereas in males, the crustacean remains were the most common food items followed by mollusc remains. There was no significant difference in the gastrosomatic index of females and gonadal maturity stages among seasons, but a significant difference among size groups. In males, there was no significant difference among seasons, gonadal maturity, and size groups. Females were more active feeders than males, and the difference could be seen in their size groups. Larger groups fed more actively than smaller groups. Feeding was more active in the post-monsoon and summer monsoon seasons. Penaeus semisulcatus dominates the ecosystem among the shrimp species due to its carnivorous behaviour. The observations made in this study form key inputs for trophic modelling and ecosystem-based studies, which could help develop suitable strategies for managing the shrimp resource in Palk Bay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mohale, H.P.; Jawahar, P.; Jayakumar, N.; Oli, G. Arul; Ravikumar, T., and Bhosle, R., 2024. Ecomorphology of selected penaeid shrimp in the coastal marine waters of Tamil Nadu (southern India). Journal of Coastal Research, 40(2), 303–318. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. This study investigated how shrimp morphology is influenced by the environment by examining the effects of components like temperature, salinity, substrate type, and water currents; it exposed how these variables affect the development and expression of morphological traits in shrimp species by examining patterns of morphological variation within and between species to demonstrate the contributions of natural selection, genetic drift, and phenotypic plasticity to the diversification of shrimp morphology. The prevalence of shrimp species was: Penaeus indicus > Metapenaeus dobsoni > Metapenaeus brevicornis > Penaeus canaliculatus > Penaeus semisulcatus > Penaeus mergiuensis > Penaeus japonicas > Metapenaeus moyebi > Penaeus latisulcatus > Penaeus monodon. The study results showed negative correlations between biochemical oxygen demand and dissolved oxygen and a harmful effect on the morphological characteristics and growth of shrimp species. According to single factor and comprehensive pollution indices, the water bodies in this study were moderately polluted. P. semisulcatus had higher mean values for the ecomorphology parameters, indicating no adverse effects and a positive relationship. P. semisulcatus shrimp were also found to have decadal growth development and survivability. P. mergiuensis had the lowest growth rates. Results indicated detrimental effects and a bad association when evaluating decadal growth, development, and survival for most of the other shrimp species. This study enhances knowledge of the evolutionary processes that have shaped shrimp adaptations over time and highlights the challenges for sustainability of the biodiversity in the coastal marine waters of Tamil Nadu, India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The lack of focus on the health status of shrimp cultivators by previous studies while the production of shrimp has been rising over the years after the introduction of the blue revolution in India. The present study estimated the burden of diseases among shrimp cultivators in India. Methods: Primary data were collected by using simple random sampling. The sample size was 357. The classification of diseases were made by using the international classification of diseases, tenth revision (ICD-10), version 2019. Disability-adjusted life years (DALY) were used to measure the health status of shrimp cultivators. DALY is the summation of the burden of disease from mortality and morbidity. Sensitive and uncertainty analysis was used by changing the value of the parameter and method, respectively. Results: The burden of disease among shrimp cultivators in 2020 ranges from 101.03 DALY based on equal age weightage, without discount rate, and potential life expectancy (DALY0,0,PLE) to 84.02 DALY based on unequal age weightage, discount rate, and standardized life expectancy (DALY1,0.03,SLE). The burden of disease per 100,000 shrimp cultivators was 28,477.74 DALY and 23,600.84 DALY when calculated by using DALY0,0,PLE and DALY1,0.03,SLE method, respectively. The higher burden of diseases from non-communicable diseases was followed by injury and communicable diseases for both methods. The disease burden from mortality was more than two-thirds of the total burden of disease and the rest from morbidity. The burden of disease among shrimp cultivators was sensitive to parameter changes because it changes between 92.10 DALY and 63.03 DALY with the change in the parameter. Uncertainty in the burden of disease among them was due to method variation, which ranges from 120.03 DALY to 74.06 DALY. Conclusion: The higher burden of non-communicable diseases, and the lower burden of communicable, and injuries per 100,000 shrimp cultivators compared to the national level in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Penaeid shrimp are economically important marine crustaceans that include species such as the black tiger shrimp, whiteleg shrimp, Atlantic white shrimp, and Indian white shrimp. Shrimp aquaculture has become a significant contributor to the fisheries industry, particularly in Asia where India is the world's second-largest producer of whiteleg shrimp. However, disease outbreaks and breeding problems remain major obstacles to the sustainable growth of shrimp aquaculture, resulting in decreased revenues and inefficient output for shrimp farmers. Recent studies have shown that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in shrimp development and health. Next-generation sequencing technologies have contributed significantly to the metagenomic resources of crustaceans, enabling functional investigation of the gut microbiome and providing insights into the precise role of this bacterial ecosystem in shrimp diseases and development. This review summarizes the microbial diversity in the gastrointestinal tract of penaeid shrimps and how they impact the health and development of the organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A description of the smaller freshwater prawn, M. lamarrei is presented. It was initially reported by H. Milne Edwards in 1837 from Gujarat, India. In the present study, the species has been described based on the basis of morphometric characteristics and reported for the first time from river Gomti (U.P.), India, with the comments at subspecies level i.e. M. lamarrei lamarrei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been a noticeable expansion of commercial fishing operations into the deeper waters, resulting in a increased global identification of novel deep-sea shrimp species. The biological and ecological traits characterizing these deep-sea organisms render them notably susceptible to exploitation compared to their shallower-water counterparts. A prevailing challenge in addressing this matter pertains to the paucity of comprehensive ecological insights into the majority of deep-sea species, thereby impeding the formulation and execution of effective management strategies. In light of the aforementioned concerns, endeavors have been undertaken to systematically organize the available data concerning deep-sea shrimp resources and the extant condition of fisheries within the geographical context of India. A contemporary and updated inventory of deep-sea shrimp taxa has been meticulously compiled, encompassing a total of 156 distinct species. These species are taxonomically categorized into 18 families within the suborder Pleocyemata and 6 families within the suborder Dendrobanchiata, all of which fall under the overarching order Decapoda. This study intricately amalgamates a compendium of pertinent literature, drawn from diverse sources including research articles, monographs, books, species checklists, technical reports, and a repository of knowledge maintained by researchers along the Indian coastline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An acute toxicity study of imidacloprid on the larval health and metamorphosis of the giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii larvae were carried out during the months of January–August 2021 at the aquatic animal raring and experimenting facility in the Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kerala, India. Imidacloprid is a broad-spectrum neonicotinoid insecticide used against sucking pests infecting agricultural crops as both contact poison and stomach poison. The present study investigated the adverse effects of imidacloprid on the survival rate, feeding behaviour, larval quality and incidence of metamorphosis in Macrobrachium rosenbergii larvae. The 48 h median lethal concentrations (LC50 values) and safe concentration of imidacloprid determined for different larval stages (Zoea I–XI) of M. rosenbergii ranged between 0.000635–0.001388 mg l-1 and 0.000055–0.000191 mg l-1, respectively. Larvae exposed to imidacloprid for 48 h showed decrease in survival rate with increase in concentration of imidacloprid. The results of larval condition index (LCI) that indicates the larval quality showed that imidacloprid reduced the larval health significantly (p<0.05) at high concentrations and is potent to delay the incidence of metamorphosis. The feeding rate of larvae exposed to different concentrations of imidacloprid were found to be significantly (p<0.05) reduced due to paralytic effect of imidacloprid. The present work provides relevant data beneficial for the risk assessment of imidacloprid in M. rosenbergii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fishery and population characteristics of the Indian white shrimp, Penaeus indicus , were studied in Pulicat Lake, on the southeast coast of India, using the FiSAT software package. The asymptotic length ( L ∞ ), growth coefficient (K) and arbitrary origin of growth (t 0) were estimated by the ELEFAN method to be 16.18 cm, 0.60 year−1 and −0.18 year, respectively. The asymptotic length ( L ∞ ) was calculated as 16.09 cm using the Wetherall method. The growth performance index (Ø′) was found to be 2.19. The mortality parameters Z , F and M were computed to be 3.85, 2.30 and 1.55 year−1, respectively. The pattern of recruitment was observed to be year-round, with a peak from June to September. The total stock, annual catch and exploitation rate for P. indicus were estimated to be 1518.43 tonnes, 809.3 tonnes, and 0.59 year−1, respectively. The estimated Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) was found to be 131.95 tonnes less than the annual catch. The stock of P. indicus was found to be over-exploited, so it is suggested that the effort level be reduced by 16.3% in order to sustain this resource in Pulicat Lake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mangrove forests are one of the most productive ecosystems in the world and are known for their ecological, economic, and social importance. Large-scale shrimp farming severely threatens mangrove ecosystems since shrimp productivity is correlated with mangrove ecosystems. The present study was carried out to determine the physicochemical characteristics of soil and water of traditional and non-traditional shrimp ponds near mangroves for understating the variation from the natural mangrove ecosystems of the Kannur district. Different parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, BOD, DO, alkalinity, acidity, fluoride, iron, sulphate, nitrate, calcium, magnesium, and total hardness of collected water sample and pH, electrical conductivity, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, organic carbon and heavy metal contents of collected soil samples were determined by respective instruments and methods. From the analysis, it was found that all the parameters of traditional, as well as non-traditional shrimp ponds showed significant variation from the natural mangrove ecosystems. The result from the statistical analysis such as multivariate analysis (partial eta squared) concluded that the parameters of water such as pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, turbidity, alkalinity, nitrate, sulphate and iron contents of traditional shrimp ponds, and electrical conductivity, temperature, nitrate, sulphate and total hardness of non-traditional shrimp ponds significantly varied from its corresponding natural mangrove ecosystems. In addition, the potassium content in soil samples from traditional shrimp ponds and the pH, electrical conductivity, phosphorus, lead, and chromium in soil from non-traditional shrimp ponds significantly varied from corresponding natural mangroves. Changes in those physicochemical parameters of soil and water will affect the associated organisms and restrict further restoration of mangroves in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear contributes considerably to global marine debris. These lost gears, mostly made of non-biodegradable synthetic materials, persist in the marine environment for longer periods of time and pose a great threat to marine life by entangling and killing target fishes and other non-target species such as turtles, birds, and mammals, a phenomenon known as ghost fishing. Other environmental impacts include physical impacts on aquatic habitats, transfer of microplastics into food web, and interference with fishing. Information regarding the catching efficiency and catch rates of lost nets in Indian waters is lacking. Ghost fishing capacity of simulated lost gillnets is being reported for the first time in India. This study investigates the ghost fishing capacity of lost gillnets through an experimental approach at Aroor, Vembanad lake, Kerala, India. Simulation studies using purposefully abandoned shrimp gillnets (32 mm mesh size) were conducted to understand the fishing capacity of lost gillnets during two seasons (monsoon and post-monsoon) as separate experiments. The gillnets maintained their catching efficiency until the 15th day during the first experiment and up to the 50th day in the second experiment. Catches showed an exponential reduction over time in both experiments. A total of 251 specimens comprising of 27 species were caught from both sets of experimental nets, and the state of catch in the nets showed different decaying stages from the second day itself along with fresh stages. As the days progressed, particulate matter and detritus began to accumulate on the experimental nets, increasing net visibility and reducing their catching efficiency. The results of the study on ghost fishing capability will contribute to the development of strategies for reducing the effects of lost nets on the aquatic ecosystem and for suggesting improved management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diet composition and feeding strategies of deep-sea caridean shrimp Heterocarpus woodmasoni Alcock,1901 are described from gut contents of 4,116 specimens collected from the southwestern coast of India. Knowledge of the species diet plays a prime effect on its biological aspects and its role in the ecological energetics of the community. All the analyses were performed in accordance with ecological (season) and biological factors (sex, size, and gonadal stages). The species was found to prey on diversified components such as detritus, foraminiferans, other crustaceans, molluscs, echinoderms, and fishes in their declining order of preponderance. Multivariate analysis of variance showed a significant difference (P <0.05) in the diet components according to the combination of sex along with season and gonadal stages. Values of the gastro-somatic index (GSI) showed a positive correlation with feeding activity, and its intensity. GSI, feeding intensity, and activity reached their peak values during the post-monsoon season. High vacuity index was recorded in almost all conditions, which is a highlighted feature of this species. These observations provide fundamental information on the feeding pattern of H. woodmasoni , which aims to develop suitable fishing strategies in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mantis shrimps are the most significant predators in the shallow waters and intertidal regions of tropical and subtropical marine ecosystems and they are integral components of the food chain. Additionally, mantis shrimps are sensitive to environmental pollutants and indicate poor environmental conditions through their ecological behaviour. As a fisheries species, they hold immense socio-economic importance for several countries. In this study, we document three species of stomatopods found in the waters of Gujarat, India. Notably, Manningia arabica (Manning, 1990), which is rare and endemic to the Arabian Sea, is reported for the first time in Indian waters. Furthermore, Alimopsis supplex (Wood-Mason, 1875) and Oratosquillina quinquedentata (Brooks, 1886) are also documented for the first time in the waters of Gujarat. The study includes taxonomic descriptions, habitat characteristics, and geographical distribution information for each of these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oldest Asian record of alpheid shrimps, assigned to genus Alpheus, based on snapping claw fingertips from the Miocene Khari Nadi Formation in the Kutch Basin, western India reported herein, extends the fossil record of the family Alpheidae from Asia by ∼22 million years. An early Miocene (Aquitanian) age is estimated based on the associated assemblage of calcareous nannofossils, Sphenolithus disbelemnos, Cyclicargolithus floridanus, and Reticulofenestra haqii. The co‐occurring microbiota includes bony fish otolith remains, identified as "genus Gobiidarum", isolated teeth of Dasyatis rays, Sphyrna sharks, and teleosts, ctenoid and placoid scales, ostracods, belonging to the genera Paractinocythereis, Alocopocythere, Ruggieria, Aglaiocypris, Bairdoppilata, and echinoid spines. Taken together, the microfossil assemblage and data from chemical analyses using Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, X‐Ray Diffraction and Wavelength Dispersive X‐Ray Fluorescence of host and associated lithologies suggests prevalence of a shallow (neritic) to coastal marine (intertidal) depositional paleoenvironment. The present investigation also provides the oldest fossil evidence on the co‐occurrence of Alpheus and gobiids (based on otoliths) that strongly advocates that the mutualistic association between these animal groups had developed by the Aquitanian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charybdis (Archias) omanensis septentrionalis Türkay & Spiridonov, 2006, has recently been recorded from the Arabian Sea, while the first record of the species was from the Red Sea. The specimens were collected in a shrimp trawl from a depth of 65-68 metres from the southwest coast of the Arabian Sea, off Kerala, India. The species size ranged between 17 and 37 mm carapace width, from 11 to 22.5 mm carapace length and in total weight between 0.39 and 5.53 g. The interrelationships between various morphometric characters, viz., carapace width and length and chelar propodus length and height in males, as well as carapace width and length and abdominal width and length in females, were estimated for the species and it was found that most relationships are positive and highly significant. In the carapace width/length-weight relationship, the estimated b values for carapace width-weight in males, females and pooled, were 2.674, 2.719 and 2.783, respectively, and for carapace length-weight they were 2.601, 2.588 and 2.681, respectively. The results show a significant deviation from an isometric growth pattern. An analysis of covariance indicated that there is a significant difference between sexes with respect to the carapace width/length-weight relationship. The relative condition factor values estimated in males and females were 0.9794 ± 0.16 and 1.1280 ± 0.26, respectively, also recording a significant variation (P < 0.01) between sexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shrimp culture and its export are growing fast in India in tandem with the global demand for protein‐rich seafood. Farmers are always seeking newer technologies and cultural practices to alleviate risks and remain profitable and sustainable. One of the practices that is gaining prevalence in recent years is Penaeus vannamei culture in lined ponds in brackish water and low saline environments. Our study aims to understand the differences in physicochemical and chemical parameters between lined and earthen ponds in simulated experiments and field studies and weighs the economic benefits. Earthen ponds exhibited lower pH fluctuations than lined as soil functions as a buffer against pH variations. The key differentiators were the lower metabolites and higher nutrients in the lined ponds leading to a healthier pond environment. It was complemented by lower vibrio load in the lined ponds, reducing the threat of diseases significantly. Comparatively, 12.5% higher survival rate and 9% higher growth rate were evidenced in the earthen ponds. Economically, lining material increases the initial capital cost and the income per culture was lower due to marginally lower survival and growth rates in lined ponds. However, this reduced profitability was more than offset by the possible higher number of cultures per year and reduced time between cultures. The economic analysis of average culture data established economic advantage of culture in lined ponds over earthen ponds with an incremental Benefit Cost ratio of 2.15. Ultimately, the choice of lined versus earthen culture depends on the investment and risk potential of the farmer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study delves into the reproductive characteristics of Metapenaeopsis andamanensis , a commercially significant deep-water shrimp collected from Sakthikulangara, off Kollam, India (8°56′60.78″ N/76°32′34.27″ E) during September 2019 to May 2022. Despite its economic importance, the reproductive traits of this species remain elusive. This research comprehensively examines macroscopic and microscopic features associated with gonadal maturity stages, including determination of size at first maturity (CL 50), gonadosomatic index, and fecundity of M. andamanensis. Male-to-female sex ratio was noted as 1:1.03 using chi-square analysis. The smallest mature individuals were observed at 12 mm and 16 mm carapace length for males and females, respectively. Macroscopic observation categorized females into five groups based on gonadal coloration, while microscopic examination identified seven stages using histological characteristics. Notably, the absence of cortical crypts in the periphery of oocyte cytoplasm, a characteristic feature of the genus Metapenaeopsis , was observed in this species. Males were classified into two categories based on macroscopic and microscopic observation. The gonadosomatic index ranged from 4.25 to 10.13 for mature female individuals, exhibiting a significant increase until stage IV. Continuous spawning was observed, with a peak in May and November. The size at first maturity for females and males was determined as carapace length (CL) 23.05 mm and 17.53 mm, respectively. The average absolute fecundity was calculated as 53,889 with an average relative fecundity of 9934 oocytes. This investigation contributes valuable insights into the reproductive traits of the deep-water penaeid shrimp M. andamanensi s, facilitating the development of effective management strategies for sustainable fisheries. • First study to address the relative and absolute fecundity of a Metapenaeopsis species. • M. andamanensis is a continuous spawner with peaks in May and November. • Gonado-somatic index increases rapidly until stage IV and then decreases in stage V. • Determining the size at maturity helps formulating mesh size regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study represents the first information on direct age determination based on band counts in the mesocardiac ossicle (gastric mill) and eyestalk, in Aristeus alcocki , Penaeus monodon , Penaeus indicus , Panulirus homarus , and Portunus sanguinolentus from India. The determination of growth bands is important in understanding the accurate age of a specimen for the effective management strategies for stock sustainability of the natural resource. Longitudinal sections of the eyestalk and meso-cardiac ossicle of the gastric mill were observed for growth band counts in all species except for P. homarus , where the growth bands were recorded only in the ossicle. Growth bands count five in females and four in males of A. alcocki , respectively. In the case of inshore prawns, two growth bands were observed in P. monodon and one growth band in P. indicus , five growth bands in P. homarus , and three in P. sanguinolentus. Résumé: Cette étude présente la première information sur la détermination directe de l'âge basée sur le nombre des stries de l'osselet méso-cardiaque (moulin gastrique) et des pédoncules oculaires, chez Aristeus alcocki , Penaeus monodon , Penaeus indicus , Panulirus homarus , et Portunus sanguinolentus d'Inde. La détermination des stries de croissance est importante dans la compréhension de l'âge réel pour des stratégies efficaces de gestion en vue du maintien du stock des ressources naturelles. Des sections longitudinales des pédoncules oculaires et de l'osselet méso-cardiaque du moulin gastrique ont été observées pour le comptage des stries de croissance chez toutes les espèces sauf pour P. homarus , où les stries de croissance ont été examinées seulement dans l'osselet. Il a été compté respectivement, cinq stries de croissance chez les femelles et quatre chez les mâles de A. alcocki. Dans le cas des crevettes côtières, deux stries ont été observées chez P. monodon et une chez P. indicus , cinq stries chez P. homarus , et trois chez P. sanguinolentus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Palghat–Cauvery Shear/Suture Zone of the Southern Granulite Terrane, the Sittampundi Layered Complex occurs as a mappable unit. The Sittampundi Layered Complex consists of mafic, ultramafic and anorthositic rocks with chromitite layers and has been interpreted as an arc/ophiolite complex that formed in an Archaean suprasubduction zone arc setting. In the Sittampundi Layered Complex, reddish-black metabasites occur as layers or boudins with a rim of amphibolite within anorthosite. The peak metamorphic assemblage of the metabasites is garnet + clinopyroxene + quartz + rutile ± plagioclase ± orthopyroxene, and symplectite consisting of amphibole and plagioclase formed around the garnet during retrograde metamorphism. The protolith of metabasite may have intruded in a suprasubduction zone arc setting during the late Neoarchaean (c. 2540–2520 Ma), and then underwent high-pressure granulite-facies peak metamorphism (900–800 °C and 11–14 kbar) in the early Palaeoproterozoic (c. 2460–2440 Ma), followed by amphibolite-facies metamorphism (550–480 °C and 5.5–4.5 kbar) in the middle Palaeoproterozoic (c. 1900–1850 Ma). The results obtained in this study, together with previous studies, indicate that: (1) the high-pressure granulite-facies metamorphism in the study area indicates that subduction occurred during the Archaean–Proterozoic boundary with a higher apparent average geothermal gradient (∼20–16 °C km−1) than the modern-day Earth, and (2) the apparent average geothermal gradient of the subduction zone was ∼29–14 °C km−1 during the Archaean–Proterozoic boundary, which was still too high to enter the realm of eclogite-facies metamorphism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep-water shrimps are non-conventional culinary delicacies due to the presence of essential nutrients, although they are predominantly unexplored marine fishery resources. The nutritional composition of deep-water shrimp species Aristeus alcocki, Heterocarpus chani, Plesionika quasigrandis, Solenocera choprai, and Metapenaeopsis andamanensis captured from Arabian Sea (southwest coast of peninsular India) was determined. The shrimp demonstrated a well-composed essential/non-essential amino acids ratio (0.76-0.84). Among other deep-water shrimps, protein content, total aromatic, and sulfur-enclosing amino acids were substantially higher in A. alcocki (12.69 g 100 g-1, 344 and 270 mg 100 g-1 wet tissue, respectively). The C20-22n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid analogues (docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acid) were found to be in appreciable quantities (82-130 and 56-120 mg 100 g-1 wet edible portion, respectively) in the studied deep-water shrimp species. Lower thrombogenicity and atherogenicity indices (0.16-0.32 and 0.35-0.53, respectively) acknowledged the studied deep-water shrimp species as valuable health food items for cardioprotection and anti-platelet aggregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrobrachium dayanum is one of the most nutrient rich and economically important prawn species found in Chenab and Ravi rivers, the most important rivers of Northern Himalayan river system. An approach was undertaken to explore the intraspecific variations among different populations of M. dayanum from three different rivers Gho Manhasa stream (Chenab river), Taragarh stream and Mastpur stream (Ravi river). For the present study, 22 morphometric characters were subjected to multivariate analysis and out of which ten morphometric characters showed significant variations as revealed by the results of univariate ANOVA (p < 0.5). The outcome of principal component analysis accounted for 82.75% of the total variability among populations and canonical variate analysis indicated that 74.04% of the individuals were correctly classified after cross validation based on the significant differences in the morphometric characters for best separating groups. Cluster analysis revealed that three populations of M. dayanum could be grouped in two clusters indicating the possibility of occurrence of two stocks, which might demand different assessment and management strategies for distinct populations while designing management programmes for their sustainability. Moreover, molecular data will be helpful to assess the differentiation of the two stocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrobrachium assamensis classified under freshwater prawn belongs to the family Palaemonidae. A total of 245 prawns (107 males and 138 females) was collected during the course of study. The maximum total length of 64 mm for males and 69 mm for females was recorded. The minimum size observed was 32 mm for male and 35 mm for female prawn. The sex population was recorded season wise, fluctuated from a most extreme in autumn (1.00male: 1.14 female) and least in summer (1.00male: 1.72 female). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating global microplastic (MP) pollution severely threatens marine life due to insufficient waste management and widespread single-use plastic. This study focuses on assessing MP contamination in commercial prawns from Gujarat State, India. Ten prawn species collected at five main fishing harbors revealed 590 MP particles in their gastrointestinal tracts, averaging 6.08 ± 5.96 MPs/g and 1.15 ± 0.78 MPs/individual. Significant variations in contamination levels were observed between species and study sites. Pollution indices indicated very high contamination throughout the study sites. Threads were the predominant shape, with blue and black as prevalent colors. Size-wise, 1–2 mm MPs dominated. Polymer analysis identified polyethylene terephthalate, polyurethane, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The findings provided crucial preliminary information for ecotoxicology and seafood safety investigations regarding MP contamination in commercially important prawns. • MPs contamination has been reported in the commercially important epipelagic prawns. • MPs contamination was recorded as 6.08 ± 5.96 MPs/g and 1.15 ± 0.78 MPs/individual. • Results of pollution indices revealed very high contamination of MPs in all study sites. • PET, PU, PS, PP, PVC, and ABS were identified as the polymer compositions of MPs. • Fishing activities and tourism can be primary source of MPs in Gujarat coast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attributional life cycle assessment study examines the environmental impact of raw materials, machinery, and unit operations. In the present work, an attributional life cycle assessment (LCA) was employed to assess the environmental and greenhouse gas impacts of a shrimp feed production system. A commercial shrimp feed mill in Tamil Nadu, India, provided inventory data for one-ton shrimp feed (functional unit) for a Cradle-to-Gate evaluation using environmental impact methodologies, specifically Impact 2002+ in SimaPro® (V9.3.0.3) software. The results showed that human health (0.003357 DALY), ecosystem quality (2720.518 PDF × m2 × yr), climate change (2031.696 kg CO 2 eq), and resources (71019.42 MJ primary) were the most significantly impacted. The human health category was found to be the most prominent after normalization and weighting (0.47 pt), and strategies were suggested accordingly. The GWP20 and GWP100 measures for long-term climate change were calculated to be 8.7 and 7.33 kg CO 2 eq, respectively. Cast iron used in machinery production (GWP 20–15.40%, GWP100–134.5%) and electricity use (GWP 20–6.13%, GWP 100–6.9%) accounted for sizable portions of the burden. Feed production is estimated to contribute 0.2% of global CO 2 emissions within the proposed global context. These findings are significant regarding economically and environmentally sustainable shrimp feed production worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bailadila Group of the Bastar Craton, India, is host to a 200-m-thick banded iron formation (BIF). We document the lithostratigraphic context for the BIF, informally referred to as the Bose iron formation, and provide radiometric constraints for its depositional age. Field evidence illustrates that the BIF was deposited on an inner-shelf succession with a quartz arenite that grades upward into the BIF through storm-dominated offshore shelf deposits. The quartz arenite to BIF transition records a relative sea level rise from transgressive to highstand systems tract when the BIFs were deposited in a starved outer continental shelf. U-Pb SHRIMP analyses of zircons from the basement of the Bailadila Group yielded mostly highly discordant U-Pb SHRIMP ages. However, the ages fall on well-defined discordia lines from which concordia intercept ages could be determined. These ages, in combination with the ages of a few zircons that are less than 6% discordant, indicate that the granitoid basement crystallized at 3500–3550 Ma. The maximum depositional age of the Bailadila Group is constrained from the weighted mean 207Pb/206Pb SHRIMP age of 2725 ± 57 Ma from detrital zircons from the basal arenites. A well-constrained weighted mean 207Pb/206Pb SHRIMP age of 2733 ± 53 Ma for zircons from a unit that unconformably overlies the Bailadila Group is within error of that age. Stratigraphic relationships suggest that the Bailadila succession is unconformably overlain by the ~2.5 Ga Kotri and Dongargarh Supergroups. The depositional age of the Bailadila Group is well constrained between ~2.7 and 2.5 Ga. In contrast to most other Archean Algoma-type iron formations of peninsular India, which are closely related to volcanic rocks in greenstone belts, the Bose iron formation is associated with siliciclastic shelf succession. It thus is considered a Superior-type iron formation that represents the oldest known one of its kind in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective breeding of Macrobrachium rosenbergii with the aim of improving the growth rate was carried out for six generations at ICAR‐Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Odisha, India, in collaboration with WorldFish, Malaysia. Response to selection was estimated for harvest body weight using a fully pedigreed synthetic population. The data included 17,563 progeny, generated by 243 sires and 320 dams, over six generations with a nested mating structure. Harvest body weight was transformed to square root for analysis (g0.5). The response to selection for harvest body weight was estimated by two methods, referred to as I and II. With method I, the response was estimated from the difference in the mean breeding values between two consecutive generations, whereas with method II it was estimated from the difference in the least squares means of harvest body weight between the selection and control populations. The back‐transformed (to g) estimates of cumulative selection response after performing five generations of selection were 29.8% and 18.1% using methods I and II respectively. We also report the results of on‐farm evaluation of the 3rd and 4th generations of selectively bred M. rosenbergii in Odisha state. Both 3rd and 4th generations of selectively bred prawns outperformed the control stocks in all the tested sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about genetic factors and mechanisms underlying shrimp allergy. Genome-wide association studies identified HLA class-II and IL13 genes as highly plausible candidates for shrimp allergy. The present study was designed to investigate potential associations of HLA-DQ rs9275596, IL13 rs20541, and IL13 rs1800925 polymorphisms with challenge-proven shrimp allergy using the data from 532 people of West Bengal, India; selected on basis of positive skin prick test, elevated specific IgE and medical history. Risk genotypes, i.e., HLA-DQ rs9275596 CC, IL13 rs20541 AA, and IL13 rs1800925 TT, were found to be significantly associated with challenge positive shrimp allergy (P = 0.04, 0.01, and 0.03, respectively). Distribution of genotypes for HLA-DQ and IL13 polymorphisms in allergic and control subjects showed significant difference between younger (20–40 years) and older (> 40 years) age group (P = 0.006). Risk genotypes significantly associated with elevated shrimp-specific IgE. IL13 TA haplotype significantly associated with shrimp allergy and elevated specific IgE (P = 0.02). Synergistic effect of IL13 TA haplotype–HLA-DQ rs9275596 CC genotype interaction significantly elevated specific IgE (P = 0.03). The present study suggests that HLA-DQ and IL13 polymorphisms pose major risk for shrimp allergic patients in West Bengal, India and thus could be helpful for early target-specific therapeutic intervention in near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the early 1990s Chilika Lake saw a conflict over aquaculture practices that culminated in a process of de facto privatization of the lake waters and the implementation of illegal shrimp cultivation. An earlier article explored the class dynamics of the conflict and the present paper, based on a 2015 fieldwork revisit, reviews the unfolding of the socioeconomic dynamics underlying the illegal aquaculture activities. Looking at recent developments in the implementation of illegal shrimp cultivation in the lake, it interrogates the underlying balance between coercion and consent, and the implications for the livelihoods and protest politics of the fishing people. The paper draws attention to the reality of occupational displacement, analysing its implications for the viability of the fisher people's oppositional movement. Through doing so, it draws renewed attention to the complexity of state–society relations underlying the dynamics that govern conflict and critically contributes to recent debates on subaltern politics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seagrass meadows of Sethukarai coast are unique in nature, housing high faunal diversity compared to other coastal areas. A rare live specimen of bandtail scorpionfish Scorpaenopsis neglecta was found near a burrow dug by an alpheid shrimp. Taxonomy, morphometric and meristic characters, adaptive, behavioural and colour-switching physiological camouflage trait of the S. neglecta are elaborated in this communication. Visual in situ documentation of feeding habits of scorpaenids and their preying behaviour, especially that of lionfish Pterois volitans preying on goby fish is presented. Mutualism exhibited by goby fish Amblyeleotris gymnocephala with the alpheid shrimp Alpheus rapax and the importance of habitat protection from anthropogenic activities are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the molecular barcoding results of giant freshwater prawns and allied products collected from inland landing centres, markets and stores of Vembanad Lake (Kerala state, India) which is recognized as a natural abode for Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Prawns collected from landing centres of the lake could be easily identified as the above with their large size and morphological characters. There were certain 'alien' prawns and prawn products (headless shell on, peeled and deveined) traded in the markets and stores of this region as M. rosenbergii. Genotyping of all these samples using COI and 16S rRNA gene sequences confirmed the speciation of individuals from inland landing centres as M. rosenbergii, 'alien' prawns and certain prawn products as M. malcolmsonii. To ensure the same and to detect the presence of any other congeners of genus Macrobrachium inhabiting Vembanad Lake, additional homologous COI and 16S rRNA sequences available in NCBI were acquired and incorporated for molecular analyses. Results generated from NJ tree and genetic distance data confirmed the trade of non‐indigenous Macrobrachium species M. malcolmsonii in Kerala for the first time and its use as a species substituent for M. rosenbergii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shallot (Allium ascalonicum) is the most important commercial vegetable crop grown in India. Shallot peeling is tough and consumes time. The availability of peeled shallots in markets will reduce the time consumed on peeling shallots for cooking. But peeled shallot does not have longer shelf life. Edible coating for peeled shallots can reduce spoilage and can inhibit microbial growth too. The Chitosan coating of shallots was based on the dipping method of coating fruits and vegetables. The study on coating chitosan in shallots and different parameters with varying composition were analyzed. The physio-chemical parameters like protein content, carbohydrate content, calcium content and total phenols content and weight loss shows that there is a significant difference with coated and uncoated Shallot stored at 4°C for a period of 15 days. The microbial studies and physical characteristic studies show that number of microbes and decay is significantly less for coated onion samples compared with uncoated samples respectively. The inhibitory effect of chitosan produced from prawn shell against fungi was studied by adding 0.2% oregano oil, 0.4% of Tween 80 (polysorbate 80) and 0.7% of Glycerol. The Zone of inhibition was obtained has which were found to be 3.1cm, 1.5cm and 2.9cm for Oregano (Or), Thyme (Th) and Mint (M) leaves. Addition of 0.1% Tween 80 to 1.5 % chitosan in acetic acid solution improved the effectiveness of coating on the Shallot skin. The above study revealed that Chitosan coatings were in effect on successful quality improvement and extending shelf life of Shallot by delayed ripening, lowered respiration rate, regulated gas exchange, decrease in transpiration rate, retaining fruit firmness, reduction in weight loss etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vijayan, K.K., 2019. Domestication and genetic improvement of Indian white shrimp, Penaeus indicus: A complimentary native option to exotic Penaeus vannamei. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 270–276. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. Shrimp farming is the economic engine of Indian aquaculture, where the annual production touched 0.7 million tons in 2017-18, valued over ₹30,000 crores. However, the sustainability of shrimp farming and production raises serious questions due to its single species focus, where 90% of the production is of the exotic Pacific white shrimp. Of late, several issues of shrimp aquaculture in India with special reference to Penaeus vannamei farming have been reported and are being discussed. Although the introduction of P. vannamei revolutionized shrimp aquaculture in India since 2010, recently aquaculture of P. vannamei has shown several problems owing to multiple reasons viz., a decline in the productivity, emerging pathogens and increasing trend in production cost. In this context, the potential of development of native penaeid shrimp, the Indian white shrimp, P. indicus was critically evaluated. Present and past research work carried out in India towards the domestication of P. indicus indicate comparative advantages of domestication of the Indian white shrimp. The use of native species has many physiological advantages while avoiding many risks related to environmental issues and the introduction of exotic pathogens. High genetic diversity of P. indicus improves the effectiveness of selective breeding programs and provides one more option for the shrimp farmers towards sustainable shrimp farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing agricultural sectors which serves as an invaluable source of animal protein. The presence of pathogenic microbes and antimicrobial resistance is a major concern in aquaculture. Aquaculture has been identified as a hotspot for resistant pathogens, but very less details are available on the origin of these pathogens. Here, to better understand the pathogenic incidence and their resistome and virulome, we have sequenced and analysed the genomes of Staphylococcus spp. isolates (n = 12) from shrimps obtained from aquaculture farms in Kerala, India. These isolates were typed as S. aureus (n = 4), S. haemolyticus (n = 3), S. epidermidis (n = 3), S. saprophyticus (n = 1) , and S. warneri (n = 1). Comparative genomic analysis of these isolates was done against reference and published Indian Staphylococcus spp. isolates to identify the strain origin and genetic relatedness. Most of the isolates had a very close identity with human isolates, indicating the human origin of these pathogens. Resistome analysis revealed, S. aureus harbouring anti-microbial resistance genes (ARGs) against methicillin, Norfloxacin, Gentamicin, etc. and S. haemolyticus harbouring ARG against methicillin, erythromycin, etc. S. aureus isolates presented quite an extensive virulome and their clustering with human-pathogens displays their potential for pathogenicity. We here, thus, call attention to monitoring the proper implementation of biosecurity measures in aquaculture farms to avoid entry and enrichment of such isolates. • Sequencing the genomes of staphylococcal isolates from shrimp aquaculture farms. • A comprehensive characterization of resistomes and virulome of the MRS isolates. • comparative analysis of sequenced isolates with strains from various sources – human, livestock and environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ~1715 Ma, 1676 Ma and 1610 Ma zircons from mafic protoliths (Eastern Ghats Belt). • Th/Yb ratios of zircons illustrate equilibrium with feldspar, garnet and melt. • Suturing of the arc to proto-India at ~1610 Ma. • Rapid accretion of the arc crust, final suturing and orogenic collapse. We determined SHRIMP U-Pb ages of zircons from three mafic granulite samples of the polymetamorphosed, multiply-deformed Kondapalli-Ongole domain of the Eastern Ghats Belt (EGB), SE India. Our goals are: (1) to evaluate the origin of zircons in the high-grade mafic granulites; and (2) to clarify the petrotectonic evolution of magmatic and metamorphic rocks along the SE margin of India. The zircons record three distinct Paleoproterozoic U-Pb age groups: igneous protoliths of the mafic granulites apparently crystallized at ∼1715 Ma, and underwent granulite-facies high-temperature metamorphism at ∼1676 Ma, with a subsequent fabric-defining garnet-granulite grade metamorphic overprint at ∼1610 Ma. Based on textures, cathodoluminescence images, and geochemistry, we identified three zircon types among the ∼1610 Ma zircons: Type I and II zircon grains recrystallized or newly grown in equilibrium with feldspar and garnet, respectively; Type III zircons crystallized from aqueous anatectic melt in quartzofeldspathic veins. Some zircons of all the three types show alteration effects. The ∼1715 Ma event likely represents formation of the Kondapalli-Ongole magmatic arc crust, whereas the ∼1610 Ma high-grade metamorphic event reflects suturing of the arc to proto-India and cratonization of the EGB. The interval between the formation of U-poor, low Th/Yb zircons (equilibrated with garnet) and U-rich, high Th/Yb zircons (equilibrated with fluid-rich melt) is geologically insignificant, suggesting that tectonic accretion of the EGB, its final suturing, and orogenic collapse took place rapidly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The black tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon , is important in both fishery and aquaculture and is the second-most widely cultured shrimp species in the world. However, the current strains cannot meet the market needs in various cultural environments, and the genome resources for P. monodon are still lacking. Restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) has been widely used in genetic linkage map construction and in quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping. We constructed a high-density genetic linkage map with RADseq in a full-sib family. This map contained 6524 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 2208 unique loci. The total length was 3275.4 cM, and the genetic distance was estimated to be 1.1 Mb/cM. The sex trait is a dichotomous phenotype, and the same interval was detected as a QTL using QTL mapping and genome-wide association analysis. The most significant locus explained 77.4% of the phenotype variance. The sex locus was speculated to be the same in this species based on the sequence alignments in Mozambique, India, and Hawaii populations. The constructed genetic linkage map provided a valuable resource for QTL mapping, genome assembly, and genome comparison for shrimp. The demonstrated common sex locus is a step closer to locating the underlying gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From India, two species of the callianassid ghost shrimp genus Neocallichirus Sakai, 1988 are known. In this study, Neocallichirus jousseaumei (Nobili, 1904) is first recorded from India based on a single specimen collected from intertidal zone of Diu coast. A brief description for giving evidence of the identification and notes on habitat is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burkenroad created two subgenera of the genus Trachypenaeus viz., Trachypenaeus ( Trachypenaeus) and Trachypenaeus (Trachysalambria) in 1934. These two subgenera were raised to the status of genus by Pérez Farfante and Kensley and simultaneously created two new genera for the group namely Megokris and Rimapenaeus. As such the trachypenaeid group of penaeid prawns consists of four valid genera namely Trachypenaeus, Trachysalambria, Megokris and Rimapenaeus. During the present study genus Megokris is being synonymised under its original genus Trachypenaeus. Therefore, the main objective of the present study is to propose a revision to the trachypenaeid group of penaeid prawn and to prepare a comprehensive document for the group recorded from Indian water. The study area represents genus Trachysalambria and Megokris with three species under each genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenotypic and genetic parameters were estimated for three body traits (harvest weight, carapace length and standard length) and for adult male morphotypes of the giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii in a fully pedigreed synthetic population in India. The data set included 9,173 progeny produced over four generations from 162 sires and 234 dams. Variance components and genetic parameters were estimated fitting an animal model using the residual maximum-likelihood methodology. The heritabilities for harvest body weight (HW), carapace length (CL) and standard length (SL) were moderate (0.22 ± 0.056, 0.22 ± 0.055 and 0.25 ± 0.059 respectively). The common environmental effects for HW, CL and SL were 0.10 ± 0.020, 0.08 ± 0.018 and 0.10 ± 0.021 respectively. As M. rosenbergii is sexually dimorphic, we estimated heritabilities within each sex. Heritability of HW in females (0.27 ± 0.068) was greater than that in males (0.15 ± 0.057). CL and SL followed the same pattern. The occurrence of male morphotypes is a unique characteristic of adult populations of M. rosenbergii. Populations from culture ponds exhibit a wide range of sizes. To examine whether there was a heritable component in male morphotype frequencies, we treated male morphotypes as traits. The additive genetic variance (and hence the heritability) was zero for male morphotype, indicating that selective breeding to increase the proportion of desirable male morphotypes would not be effective. The genetic correlations among body traits were all positive, high and approaching unity. The results are discussed in relation to selection plans for the giant freshwater prawn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, with clinical sign of muscle opaqueness with reddish colour at the distal abdominal segments were observed in farms located in West Bengal State, India. The mortality of shrimp in all disease outbreak ponds ranged from 20% to 50%, and mortality increased gradually. The RT- PCR assay of these samples using primer sets specific to infectious myonecrosis virus ( IMNV) revealed its presence in the disease outbreak ponds. The IMNV infection was reproduced in healthy shrimp by intramuscular injection to satisfy River's postulates. The virus caused mortality in intramuscularly challenged shrimp, but failed to cause mortality by oral route. Tissue distribution of IMNV in infected shrimp by RT- PCR assay revealed the presence of this virus in haemolymph, gill, hepatopancreas and muscle. This study confirms that the disease outbreak which occurred in the shrimp farms located at Purba Medinipur District, West Bengal, India, was due to IMNV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asian tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon (P. monodon) of Chilika lagoon, India was studied regarding the metal accumulation and its associated human health risks. It showed a tendency of metal accumulation in the following order: Zn > Ni > Cu > Co > Cr > Pb > Cd. A two-way ANOVA indicated the metal accumulation was insignificant with respect to season (n = 421, p = 0.59) and sector (n = 32, p = 0.61). The estimated daily intake (EDI), targeted hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic risks (CR) revealed no potential human health risks and were safe for consumption. The pollution load index (PLI) of <1, Geo-accumulation index (Igeo,) and contamination factor (CF) indicated that the study area was unpolluted. This pioneering study highlighted that P. monodon was nurtured well in the healthy habitat of Chilika lagoon and the fair level of metal content made it an excellent source of dietary components. • Chilika water and sediment are safe habitats for Penaeus monodon. • Penaeus monodon of Chilika lagoon safe for human consumption. • Metal accumulation in Penaeus monodon is within the threshold range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time series weekly pricesof Indian shrimp during the period 2007–08 to 2016–17 were analyzed to understand price transmission in trade. Johansen's tests revealed cointegration between export and import prices of frozen shrimp to the American and Japanese markets from India.Joint F-testshowedasymmetric price transmission for only export price of Penaeus monodon (larger size)to import price of P. monodon (larger size), while import prices of P. monodon (smaller size), P. vannamei (larger size)and P. vannamei (smaller size)to Japan were found to be symmetric. Price transmission to USA were found to symmetric except for export price of P. monodon (LS)to import price of P. monodon (LS), while import price of P. monodon (SS), P. vannamei of larger and smaller sizes were found to be asymmetric.Increase in export prices led to rapid decline in imports while decline in export prices resulted inrelativelyslower increase in imports. Price adjustment to equilibrium was faster in USA than Japanese market. The study found that Indian frozen shrimp prices were well integrated among the countries viz. India, USA and Japan. But reasons for asymmetric price transmission in India's shrimp export markets may be attributed to lack of uniformity in supply, weak infrastructure, price information gaps, the operation of numerous traders in the existing marketing system. Structural imbalances in trade arising from foreign trade policy, international financial markets and supply chain inefficiencies need to be ironed out. • Shrimp contributes 66 % in value and 39 % in quantity in total seafood exports from India. • Indian frozen shrimp prices were well integrated among the countries viz. India, USA and Japan. • Supply constraints, disconnects in information flow through and weak trade structure contribute to asymptotic price transmission. • Foreign trade policy, international financial markets and supply chain efficiencies need concerted and constant attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 pandemic presents both a challenge and an opportunity to the Indian shrimp sector. With revitalizing the institutional arrangements and redirecting the focus, the Indian shrimp industry can flourish just by adapting to the needs of the local demand, even when the export prospects are uncertain. This paper takes a historical perspective of Indian shrimp farming and exports and suggests a domestic alternative/supplementary market for Indian farmed shrimp, resulting from COVID-19. • COVID -19 lockdowns adversely impacted the shrimp exports from India. • India stares at a huge loss in shrimp exports in both quantitative and value terms. • The health emergency threw the food and agricultural markets in Inda, out of gear. • Institutional support, organizational structural changes and innovative marketing are keys to domestic market development. • The crisis provides an opportunity to build the domestic market for shrimp in India [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • First report of monodon baculovirus (MBV) from mud crab, Scylla serrata. • Provided the histological and molecular evidences of MBV in hepatopancreas of crab. • Provided the histological evidence of hepatopancreatic parvovirus (HPV)-like inclusions in S. serrata. During a survey of farmed and wild crustaceans from India for viruses, spherical baculovirosis otherwise known as Penaeus monodon -type baculovirus (MBV) was detected in field-collected juvenile/sub-adult mud crab, Scylla serrata using a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based amplification of the hepatopancreatic DNA. Eight out of 115 mud crab (7.0%) examined during the study were found to be positive in the nested PCR resulting in a 361 nt amplicon. Mud crab, S. olivacea and other crustaceans such as marine crab, Portunus sanguinolentus and farmed penaeid shrimp, Penaeus vannamei and P. monodon were tested negative for the virus. Further, degenerate primers reported to amplify polyhedrin protein gene of MBV also showed PCR amplification in one of the MBV-positive crab samples resulting in a 250 nt amplicon. Sequencing of the two target amplicons (MBV- 361 nt and MBV polyhedrin – 216 nt) revealed more than 97.5 % and 92.8% sequence identity, respectively with the Penaeus monodon nudivirus and Penaeus monodon nucleopolyhedrovirus (MBV) reported from shrimp. Further, histological analysis of mud crab revealed nuclear hypertrophy, chromatin margination and intranuclear eosinophilic/basophilic inclusions in tubule epithelium of hepatopancreas. The hepatopancreatic tissue also showed unusually large, eosinophilic/basophilic inclusion-like structures. These inclusions resembled the viral inclusions reported from S. serrata from Australia. This is the first record of monodon-type baculovirus from a crab host and the second from a non-penaeid crustacean. Interestingly, some of the crab samples also showed deeply basophilic intranuclear inclusion-like bodies resembling hepatopancreatic parvovirus group of viruses (HPV). However, none of the crab samples subjected to PCR amplification using HPV-specific primers showed any amplification. The histological observations made in the present study indicate the possibility of the presence of two hepatopancreas-infecting viruses in S. serrata from India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which discusses the discovery of green mantis shrimp gonodactylellus viridis in South Andaman Coast, India. Sampling and specimen collection using forceps were conducted in seagrass patches of South Andaman in November 14, 2012. Results showed that stomatopod species gonodactylellus viridis are benthic marine predators that are commonly found in shallow tropical marine environments in South Andaman, India.