Capstone internship at BFAR 4A with a mini-study on /; investigating the effects of shelter type on the growth of giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) (DE MAN, 1879)

Date

5-2026

Adviser

Aprhodite M. Macale

Principal

Buela, Mabel S.

Abstract

Aquaculture is one of the staple sources of income in the Philippines, with the development of cultivation practices opening new market opportunities for various aquatic species, including crustaceans. For the giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), locally known as ulang, shelter is a crucial part of the species’s development throughout their life cycle, providing places for molting and breeding, and reducing territorial aggressions. However, limited literature exists on the effects of shelter types on ulang growth during post-larval (PL) stages. This mini-study analyzes the effects of shelter type on the growth of ulang PL and the resulting water qualities associated with each type, as well as determining the ideal shelter among 3 treatments. Three types of shelters were used: polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe, plastic net, and twig bundle. Within an 8.5-week observation period, growth was recorded in terms of Average Body Weight (ABW) and mean length, measured in grams and centimeters, respectively. A set-up of nine 35-L tanks containing twenty ulang PL each had twenty % of its population sampled every 2 weeks and a systematic 50% water change every week. The Kruskal-Wallis and Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner test results showed that twig shelter (ABW, X 2 =

7.45, p = 0.024, length, X

2 = 8.21, p = 0.016) had a significant difference in both mean length and ABW compared to the net treatment, and a t-test (t(44) = -2.64, p = 0.015) resulted in a significant increase of ABW over time. Results showed that organic substrates, namely twigs, may lead to significant growth in ulang as it mimics their natural habitat. To improve future studies, it is recommended to add aquatic flora for improved water quality, use precise scales for more accurate results, provide larger tanks for reduced stress-induced mortalities brought by overcrowding, and conduct extended data collection periods for better observed growth trends.

Language

English

Location

UP Rural High School

Document Type

Capstone

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