SHRIMP SPECIES CULTIVATED EXCLUSIVELY IN FRESHWATER: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Shrimp farming is an aquaculture production system of growing global economic importance; certain species hold regional significance and generate both direct and indirect jobs. This systematic review investigated studies on shrimp farming activities worldwide. We searched ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science and selected 36 papers documenting activity across 13 countries, with China leading in both publication volume and species diversity. We identified seven species across five families: the cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi), intended for the ornamental market, and the fairy shrimp (Branchinella thailandensis), used as live feed, were classified as hololimnetic, while Penaeus vannamei and Macrobrachium rosenbergii were classified as euryhaline. The results indicate that the sustainability of the freshwater sector depends on overcoming challenges related to environmental impacts, susceptibility to emerging pathogens, and climate change, as well as on using key technologies to ensure production efficiency and animal welfare. Finally, the literature highlighted gaps in the physiology and management of regional species, as well as the need to encourage studies of local biodiversity to strengthen regional economies and reduce reliance on costly exotic species.