ABSTRACT
Freshwater prawns, Macrobrachium sp., are important aquaculture crops in many areas of the world. Production totals and values have increased steadily over the past 10 years until the total production of all groups of farmed freshwater prawns is nearing a value of $2 billion annually. Prawns can be produced inland without the need for access to saltwater or expensive coastal lands and do not require high levels of fish meal in the diet. These factors make freshwater prawn production a good choice for longterm sustainable aquaculture production. Prawn production is also well suited for small-scale farmers and markets. In this entry, we will cover the natural history of the animal, its biology, and basics of production in both tropical and temperate environments.
