Unique Golden Vannamei Shrimp Discovered in Indonesia

Editor/Mohamed Shihab

Vannamei shrimp farmers in Ungkea Village, North Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, recently discovered a unique, golden-colored shrimp during a harvest.The 0.5-gram shrimp was found in a pond on Monday, February 10, 2025, report Rudy A. Mairi from Metro Sulteng.

Vannamei shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) are adaptable to saltwater, brackish water, and freshwater environments, and are found throughout the Pacific, coastal Mexico, the US, and Central America.  They are also commercially farmed in Ungkea, a village known for its tourism, agriculture, and fisheries. Shrimp farming is a significant contributor to Indonesia's foreign exchange earnings.

Veteran shrimp farmer Mahmud Nusu, who has decades of experience, expressed surprise at the discovery.  While harvesting 20 tons of shrimp, he noticed the unusual golden shrimp.  "During harvest, one of the shrimp caught our attention," said Nusu. "Its color was a yellowish gold. Perhaps this is a natural sign, or perhaps farmers can capitalize on this 'golden shrimp' and Ungkea can become a leading Vannamei shrimp producer for North Morowali Regency and even Central Sulawesi Province."