Abstract:

Resources of 〖WTBX〗Exopalaemon modestus〖WTBZ〗 and 〖WTBX〗Macrobrachium nipponense〖WTBZ〗 are abundant, which occupies a very important position in fishery of Lake Taihu. However, little is known about the resources dynamic of these freshwater shrimps. This article focused on the seasonal dynamics of shrimp stock of 〖WTBX〗E. modestus〖WTBZ〗 and 〖WTBX〗M. nipponense〖WTBZ〗 in Meiliang and Gonghu Bays. The result showed that the densities and biomass fluctuated over time within a year, which began to increase in spring, reached a peak in the summer and sharply decreased after September, indicating the influence of breeding and fishery on resources of these shrimps. Spatially, the density and biomass of 〖WTBX〗M. nipponense〖WTBZ〗 were higher in the littoral zone than in open water with an increase mainly from June to September, indicating the importance of the littoral zone as breeding habitat. In Gonghu Bay, the density and biomass of E. modestus were relatively high in the area covered with submersed vegetation, suggesting this shrimp prefer submersed macrophyte as its habitat. This research helps the rational exploitation of the shrimp resources in Lake Taihu