Macrobrachium rosenbergii
(De Man, 1879)
Vernacular names
English : Giant river prawn
French : Crevette géante malaisienne
Classification
Class : Malacostraca
Order : Decapoda
Family : Palaemonidae
Notes : No subspecies known.
Identification
One of the biggest freshwater prawn species known, reaching a body length of 30 cm. Body and legs are usually light beige grey with blue segments on abdomen. Claws and tail are usually bright dark blue when adult.
Range and habitat
The species occurs in most of southern Asia, from Pakistan and India to South China, south to Malaysia, Borneo and Java. Occurs in large streams and rivers with direct connection to the sea.
Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : This species has a wide range and has been introduced in some countries. Although heavily captured for food, the species remains common.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known
Observation
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