Spawning Frequency Analysis of Wild and Pond‐Reared Pacific White Shrimp Penaeus vannamei Broodstock under Large‐Scale Hatchery Conditions

Abstract Second generation Penaeus vannamei broodstack, pond‐reared and wild populations, were compared for spawning frequency and several variables associated with reproductive performance. For this purpose, 470 pond‐reared and 237 wild‐caught individually tagged females were stocked with males of the same origin in ten maturation tanks in a commercial hatchery, and several productivity variables were recorded over time. Results of the analysis indicate that wild shrimp had higher mating and spawning frequencies compared to pond‐reared broodstock. The number of nauplii per spawn was higher for wild shrimp, but fertilization and hatching rates were higher for pond‐reared spawners. A larger proportion of nonmating females were found in pond‐reared shrimp; whereas, wild females had a higher potential for multiple matings. The spawn quality (fertilization and hatching rates, percentage of viable spawns, and number of nauplii) in consecutive matings did not decline substantially. The present study indicates that selection of females with multiple spawning capabilities can be an important commercial strategy to improve nauplii production over the short term. Pond‐reared broodstock can be an adequate source for applying this strategy because of their year‐round availability and an overall acceptable reproductive performance.