Contribution No. 58 of the SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department.

For hatchery production of Penaeus monodon and other penaeid fry, the SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department is dependent mainly on captive broodstock in the form of ablated females, using up to 1,500 spawners in one year. The availability of such broodstock has enabled us to gather information on the reproductive biology as well as broodstock techniques for P. monodon and other species. This paper discusses studies on courtship and mating behaviour, fecundity, egg quality and rematuration; and requirements for induced maturation (source and age of stock, sex ratio, feeding, tank management, etc.) of P. monodon. A comparison of biological and construction requirements of two broodstock systems — land-based tanks and marine pens — is made. Work on other penaeids, mainly P. indicus is discussed. Lastly, areas for future research on penaeid maturation are highlighted.