Shrimp farming is the commercial production of penaeid species — dominated by Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) at ~80% of global output. Modern shrimp production spans low-intensity ponds, high-density biofloc systems, and land-based recirculating shrimp RAS, each with distinct CAPEX, biosecurity and market positioning trade-offs.
Traditional ponds win on CAPEX-per-kg in tropical geographies with cheap land and low labour cost. Biofloc raises stocking density 5–10× with lower water exchange. Shrimp RAS delivers year-round production, disease control and access to premium urban markets — but at 3–5× the CAPEX.
The single biggest predictor of a shrimp cycle's success is PL quality. Non-negotiable QA points: specific-pathogen-free (SPF) certification, PCR-tested for WSSV / EMS / IHHNV / EHP, uniform size, documented broodstock origin, and stress-test survival ≥ 90%.
Perimeter fencing, bird nets, vehicle wash-down, quarantine ponds, dedicated staff PPE, and an incoming-water disinfection loop. Under-fund these and one disease outbreak wipes 12 months of margin.
Feed is 55–65% of OPEX. Target FCR 1.3–1.6 in biofloc, 1.6–2.0 in ponds. Automated feeders + acoustic monitoring can cut FCR by 10–15%. Diversify feed suppliers to protect against ingredient price shocks.
Export-grade shrimp needs IQF freezing, HACCP-certified processing, and a validated cold chain to destination market. Integrating processing with the farm site adds CAPEX but captures 25–40% more margin.
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Short answer
Shrimp Farming affects both project cost and project risk, so it belongs in the specification stage rather than the purchasing stage. This page sets out what commercial buyers assess, what typically drives cost and lead time, and which questions to put to suppliers before signing. You can turn any of it into a confidential RFQ in a few minutes.