Stuck shell in shrimp and how to handle it
- Moulting is a necessary process for shrimp to grow in size. However, after moulting some shrimp end up with a stuck shell or an incomplete moult, which lowers their survival rate.
- Shrimp moulting with the old shell stuck to their appendages may be caused by acid sulphate (alum) contamination of the pond, parasites, shrimp lacking the nutrition to supply energy for moulting, or a shortage of certain essential minerals in the water, especially potassium. The shrimp then struggle to find feed and are very vulnerable to pathogen invasion, leading to high losses.
Prevention during the crop
During the crop, farmers should prepare the intake water carefully, making sure it is clear and free of acid sulphate (alum) contamination. Use good-quality feed mixed with supplements such as CANFORTA to strengthen the shrimp's digestion and absorption, add minerals regularly with CELL CALPHOS GOLD and CALPHOS GRO, and periodically disinfect against bacteria and external parasites, then re-apply probiotics afterwards.
When stuck-shell moulting occurs
- Clean up the water environment and help boost the shrimp's resistance with GRO C30.
- Broadcast the mineral CELL CALPHOS GOLD (2–3 litres/1,000 m³) and add CALPHOS GRO to feed (7–10 ml/kg feed) for 2–3 consecutive days, together with a potassium mineral.
- If the shrimp lack the nutrition and energy to moult, switch to a more suitable feed and mix in a suitable digestive enzyme product so the shrimp absorb and metabolise feed well and get enough energy for moulting.
- Stabilise the water and the algae in the pond with the probiotic SOILMAX throughout the crop.
"Farmers should combine feed-mixed minerals with broadcast minerals to shorten the handling time."
English text adapted from Than Vuong's original Vietnamese infographic.
