Species Penaeus indicus

Penaeus indicus H. Milne Edwards, 1837 is closely related to P. merguiensis (de Man, 1888), and P. penicillatus (Alcock, 1905) differing only in a very few characters. For a long time identification of these three species posed problems. Muthu and Rao (1973) conducted detailed studies on P. indicus and P. merguiensis and gave clear cut distinguishing characters based on colour pattern of the antennal and antennular flagella and the pleopods and disposition of rostral teeth. This study also helped in distinguishing P. penicillatus from P. merguiensis. The ever increasing demand and economic value make this resource highly esteemed in capture fisheries as well as in culture practices. This species prefers sandy or muddy bottom. It is a eurythermal and euryhaline species which can tolerate up to 45‰ salinity (del Mundo, 2000). Though they are available up to a depth of 90 m, it is abundant in coastal areas less than 30 m depth (Fischer and Bianchi, 1984). The juveniles of this species migrate to estuaries and the adults return to the sea for breeding