ABSTRACT
In the life history of the shrimp, growth is achieved only through periodic shedding of the cuticular sheath covering the body. In scientific shrimp farming aiming at high production, adequate knowledge on the physiology of growth is imperative. The entire process of moulting and its control by hormones in crustacean are well known. The term ‘moulting’ is now used most often to refer to the whole process of preparation for shedding of the old exoskeleton. A great deal of information is now available describing the hormonal basis of moulting in crustaceans. During early stages of the life cycle, shrimps undergo several ecdysis before they attain juvenile size. In all penaeid shrimps like other crustaceans, moult inhibiting hormone controls moulting by suppressing the synthesis/secretions of moulting hormone. In order to understand the mechanism underlying the neuroendocrine control of moulting and growth process, number of workers have carried out in depth studies using genomic and molecular methods.
