Giant Freshwater Prawn
Also known as：Malaysian prawn, big-headed prawn
Macrobrachium rosenbergii
- Origin
- Guangdong, Jiangsu, Hubei
- Season
- Jun–Nov
- Appearance
- Blue-green with brown markings, an exceptionally large head-thorax and thick blue long arms; adults reach 30 cm — the largest freshwater shrimp.
Content compiled by the Xian Mancang team
Introduction
品种介绍Native to Southeast Asia, it is one of the most farmed freshwater shrimp species worldwide. Called 'big-head shrimp' for its large head; fine flesh and rich roe rival marine shrimp.
Main production in southern and mid-lower Yangtze regions; pond-harvest peak Jun–Nov, mainly live distribution.
Holding Environment
暂养环境Xian Mancang holding advisor: temperature, salinity, water quality and density references per species — feel free to exchange holding experience.
Hold at 24–30°C in fresh water (salinity 0–3‰), DO ≥5 mg/L, clean substrate, density 15–30 kg per cubic meter.
Hold 3–7 days; avoid stress mortality from high temperature and low oxygen. Parameters above are reference values — adjust to water quality and season.
Economic Value
经济价值Mid-range pricing; the freshwater role fills the summer shrimp-shortage gap. Large roe-rich sizes carry clear premiums with steady foodservice demand; farming scale keeps expanding. Small sizes go to shrimp-meat processing and home channels; large sizes to banquet boiling.
Culinary & Commercial Use
烹饪与商业用途Boiling and steaming highlight the savory roe; salt-pepper and oil-braised also common. The head roe — the signature asset — enriches congee.
Foodservice: Cantonese boiled shrimp and banquet cold platters; frozen shrimp meat and ready-to-eat products in processing.
Buying Guide
选购指南Pick large, roe-plump individuals with a full head-thorax and intact antennae; glossy shell without black spots means high freshness. Live shrimp should jump vigorously with clean gills; loose head-body joints signal spoilage. Dead shrimp with pale, mushy flesh must be avoided.
Market Reference
规格行情Reference price: live 20–50 CNY/jin by size. Summer season prices are steady; winter supply thins and prices rise; pond-direct supply feeds wholesale markets, with holiday-season volume spikes.
Giant Freshwater Prawn · FAQs
How do I pick the freshest Giant Freshwater Prawn?
Pick large, roe-plump individuals with a full head-thorax and intact antennae; glossy shell without black spots means high freshness. Live shrimp should jump vigorously with clean gills; loose head-body joints signal spoilage. Dead shrimp with pale, mushy flesh must be avoided.
What are the live-holding requirements for Giant Freshwater Prawn?
Hold at 24–30°C in fresh water (salinity 0–3‰), DO ≥5 mg/L, clean substrate, density 15–30 kg per cubic meter.
What is the current market price of Giant Freshwater Prawn?
Reference price: live 20–50 CNY/jin by size. Summer season prices are steady; winter supply thins and prices rise; pond-direct supply feeds wholesale markets, with holiday-season volume spikes.
How do I cook Giant Freshwater Prawn? What methods work best?
Boiling and steaming highlight the savory roe; salt-pepper and oil-braised also common. The head roe — the signature asset — enriches congee.
Giant Freshwater Prawn · For stock availability and holding consultation, contact us