PRAWNS

PRAWNS

PRAWNSare marine crustaceans that resembles a large shrimp.belong to one decapod family, Penaeidae/ Palaemonidaeare invertebrates Life span: 2-4 years Skin: Shell (composed mainly of protein, calcium carbonate and a stiffening agent, called chitin) Main Prey: Fish, insects,planktons are able to change colour "swims" by quickly pulling its abdomen in toward its carapace (body) are protandrous hermaphroditesreproduce via eggsUndergoes a process called moulting so they can growAdults grow to about 200 mm longTAXONOMYKingdom: Animalia Phylum: ArthropodaClass: Crustacea Order: DecapodaFamily: Penaeidae Genus:Species:HABITAT: found in calmer waters Prawns live in sub tidal sandy and rocky habitatsDietPrawns eat plant material, decaying organic matter, micro-organisms, small shellfish and worms. King prawns are sensitive to light so they bury themselves during the day and feed actively at night. Tiger prawns tend to be active day and night.PredatorsHuman, fish, squid

BASIC ANATOMY:

LIFE CYCLE

They mature at about six to eight months of age, and spawning occurs in offshore waters. King prawns tend to spawn throughout the year while tiger prawns mainly spawn during spring and summer. A single prawn can spawn more than once in any one year. The female releases hundreds of thousands of eggs.

Reproduction When prawns mate, the female must be soft shelled (newly moulted). The male inserts a sperm capsule (spermatophore) into the female. This remains inside the female reproductive organ until the prawn is ready to release her eggs (spawn) at which time the eggs are fertilised.SHRIMP VS PRAWNS