White shrimp, primarily the Atlantic white shrimp (Litopenaeus setiferus) and the commercially dominant Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), are economically significant species known for thriving in coastal environments. These crustaceans typically inhabit shallow, warm waters, including estuaries, tidal flats, and muddy coastal areas out to about 100 feet offshore. Their life cycle and habitat preference directly influence what they consume, leading to a dynamic and varied diet. Understanding the nutritional needs of white shrimp in both their natural surroundings and controlled farm settings is important for managing wild populations and ensuring sustainable aquaculture practices.
Natural Feeding Behavior
In their natural estuarine and coastal habitats, white shrimp function as opportunistic omnivores and scavengers. Their feeding strategy is largely benthic, meaning they spend time on or near the bottom, actively sifting through the soft sediment and mud flats. This behavior allows them to process the substrate with their appendages, effectively separating edible particles from non-food materials. The bulk of their diet consists of organic matter, including decaying plant and animal material known as detritus, found within the muddy substrate. Along with detritus, white shrimp consume small, living organisms that live on the bottom, such as nematodes, copepods, and various types of small worms.
Dietary Shifts Across Life Stages
The diet of white shrimp undergoes distinct changes as they grow from microscopic larvae to adults. When shrimp first hatch, the nauplius larvae are planktonic and initially do not feed. As they progress through the protozoa and mysis larval stages, they begin to filter-feed on microscopic organisms suspended in the water column, such as phytoplankton and zooplankton. The shift to a benthic diet occurs once they reach the post-larval stage and move into the shallow estuarine nursery areas. Juveniles become omnivorous, incorporating plant matter, microorganisms, and small invertebrates into their diet. Adults continue to consume detritus but also become more predatory, actively seeking out larger marine invertebrates, including insect larvae, small crustaceans, and mollusks.
Commercial Aquaculture Feed
When white shrimp are raised in commercial aquaculture operations, their diet transitions to highly controlled, formulated pelleted feeds. These manufactured pellets are designed to meet all nutritional requirements for rapid growth and high survival rates. The pellets are high in protein, which is essential for muscle development, and often contain specific lipids, vitamins, and minerals.
For juvenile and grow-out shrimp, commercial feeds typically contain crude protein levels ranging from 30% to over 40%. Post-larvae may require even higher concentrations, sometimes up to 54% protein, for optimal nursery development. Ingredients often include fish meal, soy products, and other protein sources. Fish meal historically contributes 10% to 30% of the feed for its high protein quality and attractive scent. The feed is carefully managed to achieve an efficient feed conversion ratio (FCR), often falling between 1.3:1 and 1.5:1. This ratio means it takes 1.3 to 1.5 pounds of feed to produce one pound of shrimp.