1oC3Dbk

© Chris Lukhaup
Amazing Species: Giant River Prawn
The Giant River Prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, is listed as ‘Least Concern’ on the
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species TM . It inhabits coastal rivers and estuaries, with a
connection to the sea, and its natural range extends eastwards from eastern Pakistan up
to Borneo and Java. While considered a freshwater species, the larval stage of this prawn
depends on brackish water.
Geographical range
Knowledge
Experts
Action
Get Involved
Commercial aquaculture of the Giant River Prawn began in the 1960s in Hawaii, and
it now has major economic value as a food source in subtropical and tropical regions.
Although this freshwater prawn is extensively fished, it is not thought that this represents
a threat to the population due to its wide natural occurrence.
There are no specific conservation actions in place for the Giant River Prawn, although
many parts of its range are likely to occur in protected areas. There have been widespread
reports of frequent aquaculture escapees, some of which have successfully established
as breeding populations. It is not currently known if there have been any negative impacts
of this invasion, but in general it is considered to be a “harmless nonindigenous species”.
The production of the IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species is made possible
through the IUCN Red List Partnership.