Closing the life-cycle of high-value ornamental shrimp in captivity
- Discipline
- Aquaculture
- Methodology
- Date
- 26 May 2026
- Description
- Lysmata debelius is a high-value ornamental shrimp currently sourced exclusively from wild harvest, with no reliable captive-bred supply. Commercial culture remains limited by low larval survival, variable broodstock performance, and an exceptionally prolonged larval period (~150 days). This project aims to identify and overcome the key biological and nutritional bottlenecks preventing life-cycle closure. Working with Monsoon Aquatics and JCU’s Aquaculture Breeding and Reproductive Technologies and Aquafeed laboratories, the student will investigate broodstock nutrition, larval feeding strategies, development rates, and settlement success. The project provides hands-on hatchery experience, targeted experiments, and industry collaboration to support the first commercial-scale production of L. debelius in Australia.
- Keywords
- Aquaculture;Crustaceans;Life-cycle closure;Ornamentals;Sustainable
- Would Suit Applicants Who
- This project has multiple components suitable for MSc or Honours students
