Giant River Prawn

Macrobrachium rosenbergii

The giant river prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), also called the giant freshwater prawn, is a large prawn native to rivers and estuaries of South and Southeast Asia and now farmed in many warm regions. Adults live mainly in fresh water, but larvae need brackish water to develop. Mature males can show different claw sizes and social ranks, including large blue-clawed individuals that dominate space and mating opportunities.

Giant river prawn production is built around hatcheries, aquaculture ponds, and live seafood handling. Systems must carry larvae through brackish rearing before moving juveniles into freshwater grow-out, then manage stocking density, shelters, oxygen, feed quality, and size grading to reduce fighting and cannibalism. Farmers monitor molts, water temperature, pH, ammonia, and disease risks. Because the species can survive outside farms in some climates, facilities need escape prevention and attention to local rules. Small aquarium keeping is possible, but it takes room, cover, and tankmates that will not be eaten or harassed.