Molting Shrimp Process
19 Okt 2021 12:04:38 | Dilihat 4433 kali
Molting or molting in shrimp usually occurs when shrimp experience an increase in body volume while the size of the exoskeleton does not increase because of its rigid nature. The exoskeleton of the shrimp is formed from the content of chitin, calcium salts, protein, and fat. To adjust to this, the old shell (cuticle) will fall off by itself and then be replaced by a new shell after the molting process is complete. The molting process in shrimp occurs with increasing age in shrimp. Shrimp molt between three to eight weeks and the process doesn't take long. Usually, a new shell will form until it hardens in a matter of hours. There are several factors that influence the occurrence of molting in shrimp, the influence of external or external conditions in the form of water chemical composition, water temperature, basic substrate, and feed availability. The internal influences are in the form of genetic traits and physiological conditions in shrimp
Shrimp Molting Process
When the shrimp fail in the molting process, the shrimp will die. The death of shellless shrimp is also common due to mineral deficiency. Then the thing that causes the failure of molting is unfavorable water conditions where the mineral content is unstable, too high, or too low. This causes the calcium content of the water to be not good, even though the calcium is needed by the shrimp in the formation of new shells. Shrimp can molt well if water quality, dissolved oxygen content (DO), mineral content, and pH are maintained.
When the old shell of the shrimp is removed, usually the shell will settle to the bottom of the pond. Preferably, the old shells are allowed to settle and dissolve in the water because the old shells contain minerals that are good for shrimp growth.
The stages of molting in shrimp, including:
- Post-molt, this phase occurs after the process of releasing the old exoskeleton. In this phase, the shrimp absorbs a lot of water in order to strengthen the new cuticle which will adjust the body shape. Once the old exoskeleton is removed, the new shell will begin to harden in a matter of hours or days.
- Molt, is the phase of shedding the old skin followed by absorption of water from the medium in large quantities. This stage begins with the relaxation of the muscles of the limbs, making it possible to detach from the old exoskeleton.
- Inter-molt, in this phase the exoskeleton hardens due to the fused proteins and minerals. The growth of shrimp weight is increasing so that the activity of eating shrimp is increasing to the maximum.
- Pre-molt, the phase before molting, the shrimp prepares its body for the next molting process. Appetite in shrimp also decreases and the cuticle layer begins to grow.
Anticipate Mass Molting
Things that can be considered during the molting phase of shrimp, namely by checking the molting phase regularly, namely by recording and checking shrimp sampling, so that it can predict the molting cycle of shrimp. Then maintain water quality, in shrimp farming water quality has an important role and the water salinity does not drop drastically so that the shrimp do not experience shock. Regulate the feeding pattern of shrimp so that shrimp do not overeat which has the potential to affect water quality that triggers disease attacks in shrimp. And the last is the provision of minerals such as phosphorus and calcium which can accelerate the growth of new shells in shrimp.
Nanobubble as a successful solution for molting shrimp
Water quality plays a major role in the success of the molting process in shrimp. The use of appropriate technology such as the Nanobubble machine can improve the quality of pond water so that the shrimp molting process runs smoothly. Nanobubble is a modern aeration technology that produces air bubbles measuring 80-200 nm which are effective in the gas transfer process. The high oxygen content produced by the nanobubble machine can supply oxygen needs so that the shrimp are healthier and grow faster. Nanobubble can also increase feed efficiency, prevent the emergence of viruses and bacteria during the cultivation process and increase the survival rate. The use of this nanobubble machine is the right choice for cultivators who want to increase stocking density and pond productivity.
(Read more: Mengapa FCR Penting)
Writer : Afridha Setia Jayanti
Editor : Zakia Dwi Puspa Ramadina
Source:
[1] Nur Aisyah, Agus Tri Yusufi Mardiana. 2017. Analisis Pemanfatan Dolomit Dalam Pakan Terhadap Periode Molting Udang Vaname (Litopenaeus Vannamei) Di Tambak UNIKAL. PENA Akuatika Volume 16.
[2] Tahap Molting Udang. https://www.minapoli.com/info/tahap-molting-pada-udang diakses on October 12, 2021
[3] Pentingnya Mineral Untuk Proses Molting pada Udang. https://fistx.co.id/2021/02/11/pentingnya-mineral-untuk-proses-molting-pada-udang/ diakses on October 12, 2021
