Seasonal and interannual variability in the density of the postlarvae of Litopenaeus setiferus and Farfantepenaeus duorarum in Términos Lagoon, Gulf of Mexico

White shrimps, Litopenaeus setiferus (Linnaeus, 1767) and pink shrimps, Farfantepenaeus duorarum (Burkenroad, 1939) are two pivotal species in the southern Gulf of Mexico, due to their ecological and economic importance. In this study we present observational evidence of the seasonal and interannual variability of both species in the Términos Lagoon (southern Gulf of Mexico). The results suggest that the hydrography of the water column and the surface circulation exert a strong influence on the density of both species. The results presented here contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of both species and highlight the need to combine different methodologies to achieve a better interpretation of this system.

North Atlantic white shrimp Litopenaeus setiferus (Decapoda: Penaeidae) as an aquaculture target species for farming: a review

Litopenaeus setiferus has been described as an economically important native species ranging from the north Atlantic along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico to Florida. Its reproduction has been studied in captivity, as well as some aspects of its nutritional physiology, diseases and adaptation to various environments, including nurseries. In terms of growth, L. setiferus has been compared with L. vannamei for its performance in ponds. As a native species, L. setiferus benefits local fisheries and is also used as a bait shrimp for recreational activity. The present review covers background information and recent advances in research and development efforts to determine its potential both for aquaculture in ponds and intensive biofloc systems (BFT), as well as for the stocking of fishing grounds. The collective research advances for this species presented in this review could help to sustain various strategies, including highly intensive techniques, to rehabilitate L. setiferus in connection with potential institutes.

Filtering out parasites: sand crabs (Lepidopa benedicti) are infected by more parasites than sympatric mole crabs (Emerita benedicti)

Two digging decapod crustaceans, the sand crab speciesLepidopa benedictiand the mole crab speciesEmerita benedicti, both live in the swash zone of fine sand beaches. They were examined for two parasites that infect decapod crustaceans in the region, an unidentified nematode previously shown to infectL. benedicti, and cestode tapeworm larvae,Polypocephalussp., previously shown to infect shrimp (Litopenaeus setiferus).Lepidopa benedictiwere almost always infected with both parasite species, whileE. benedictiwere rarely infected with either parasite species. This difference in infection pattern suggests that tapeworms are ingested during sediment feeding inL. benedicti, whichE. benedictiavoid by filter feeding. LargerL. benedictihad morePolypocephalussp. larvae. The thoracic ganglia, which make up the largest proportion of neural tissue, contained the largest numbers ofPolypocephalussp. larvae. Intensity ofPolypocephalussp. infection was not correlated with how longL. benedictiremained above sand in behavioural tests, suggesting thatPolypocephalussp. do not manipulate the sand crabs in a way that facilitates trophic transmission of the parasite.Litopenaeus setiferusmay be a primary host forPolypocephalussp., andL. benedictmay be a secondary, auxiliary host.