Shrimp Farming Glossary
Quick reference for important shrimp farming terms. Each entry has a simple explanation + recommended products.
EHP
Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei
Microsporidian parasite in shrimp hepatopancreas cells. Causes growth retardation, white feces, high FCR. No specific cure — prevent with FLASH + CLEVER.
Learn more →Vibrio
Vibrio bacteria (V. parahaemolyticus, V. harveyi)
Most common pathogenic bacteria in shrimp. Causes EMS/AHPND, luminescence, white feces. Control with VIRO TRAP + CLEVER + competitive probiotics.
Learn more →EMS / AHPND
Early Mortality Syndrome / Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease
Most dangerous shrimp disease caused by V. parahaemolyticus with PirA/PirB genes. 70-100% mortality in days. Prevent with probiotics + Vibrio control.
Learn more →TPD
Translucent Post-larvae Disease
Vibrio-caused disease destroying hepatopancreas of post-larvae at PL5-PL15 stage. Up to 100% mortality. PCR-test larvae before purchasing.
Learn more →NO2 (Nitrite)
Nitrite — intermediate product of nitrogen cycle
Toxic compound in shrimp ponds. NO2 > 0.5 mg/L causes stress, > 1.0 mg/L is dangerous. Remove with MAX 4000 (specialized NO2 probiotics) + SOILMAX New.
NH3 (Ammonia)
Ammonia — toxic gas from organic decomposition
NH3 > 0.1 mg/L stresses shrimp, > 0.3 mg/L can be lethal. Treat with YUCCA for instant absorption + SOILMAX New for bottom organic decomposition.
H2S (Hydrogen Sulfide)
Hydrogen Sulfide — toxic gas from anaerobic pond bottom
Rotten egg smell at pond bottom. Very toxic. Treat with SOILMAX New + increase aeration + YUCCA absorption.
FCR
Feed Conversion Ratio
Ratio of kg feed / kg harvested shrimp. Good FCR for whiteleg: 1.1-1.3. FCR > 1.5 requires checking gut, liver. Improve with PRO GUT + ACTISEL.
pH
Water acidity/alkalinity
Optimal pH for shrimp ponds: 7.5-8.5. Day-night swing max 0.5. Low pH → raise alkalinity with ALKA UP + GROWMIN. High pH → cut algae with OZYME.
Alkalinity
Alkalinity — water's pH buffering capacity
Optimal: 120-180 mg/L CaCO3. Low alkalinity → large pH swings → shrimp stress. Increase with ALKA UP 2-3 kg/1,000m³ or GROWMIN.
DO (Dissolved Oxygen)
Dissolved Oxygen
Optimal: > 4 mg/L. DO < 3 mg/L shrimp surface, < 2 mg/L lethal. Increase: max aeration, reduce feed, cut algae if too dense.
PCR
Polymerase Chain Reaction — Pathogen detection test
Most accurate test to detect EHP, WSSV, Vibrio in post-larvae. Always PCR-test before stocking.
TCBS
Thiosulfate Citrate Bile Salts Sucrose Agar
Vibrio culture agar. Green colonies (V. parahaemolyticus) are dangerous, yellow less so. Green > 10² CFU/mL needs immediate treatment.
GMP-WHO
Good Manufacturing Practice — WHO standard
International manufacturing standard ensuring consistent quality. Than Vuong factory at Hai Son Expanded IZ, Duc Hoa, Tay Ninh is GMP-WHO certified.
Probiotics
Beneficial microorganisms for aquaculture
Microorganisms that decompose organics, remove toxins, compete with Vibrio. Products: SOILMAX New (bottom), MAX 4000 (NO2), LALSEA BIOREM (Lallemand). Apply every 3-5 days.