Abstract:
Marine Shrimps are most popular invertebrates in ornamental aquarium industry. Ornamental shrimp industry began in early 2000 in Sri Lanka. Variety of ornamental shrimp species, which have very high demand among importers were introduced for export. The main species thus exported include Lysmata amboinensis, Lysmata debelius, Lysmata grabhami and Lysmata wurdemanni. The present study was carried out between 1st April to 31st July 2014 to assess the present status of the marine ornamental shrimp production and to identify constraints within the industry. The data were collected from all over the island. Colombo and Gampaha districts are mainly considered because most of the marine shrimps are exported from these districts. The data regarding the marine ornamental shrimp species and their quantities during the period of January 2009 to December 2013 were extracted from records of Sri Lanka Customs. The data revealed that the mostly exported marine ornamental shrimp is Lysmata amboinensis followed by Lysmata deblius and Lysmata grabhami. The exported quantities of shrimps in the first half of the year is higher than that of second half. The main problem of the exporter is the lack of regular supply of adequate marine ornamental shrimps for export while the main problem of suppliers is the low prices given for the wild collected shrimps. Necessity of breeding programs for producing quantities required for export is highlighted in the study to sustain the natural shrimp resources.
Keywords: Lysmata amboinensis; Lysmata deblius; exported quantities; ornamental shrimps
