Protect Your Shrimp from Black Head: Causes & Countermeasures

Author：Lachance Time：2025-06-24 Hits：

Symptoms and Outbreaks

Black Head in Shrimp

/01

During the mid-to-late stages of shrimp farming, the shrimp grow too rapidly due to excessive feeding, placing an excessive burden on the hepatopancreas. This can lead to the rupture of the hepatopancreas, releasing its contents, which are rich in tyrosine.

During prolonged storage or transportation, oxidation occurs, resulting in blackening. Since the blackening is concentrated in the head, it is called "black head." This phenomenon is very common in major shrimp-farming countries such as Ecuador, China, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

As consumer demand for shrimp quality increases, the issue of black head in shrimp has garnered significant attention from the farming sector.

Causes of Black Head in Shrimp

Black Head in Shrimp

/02

Excessively rapid growth, leading to hepatopancreatic overload: After heavy feeding, the shrimp grow too quickly, overburdening their hepatopancreas. The hepatopancreas is a vital organ for metabolism and detoxification, and prolonged overloading can cause damage.
Unbalanced feed nutrition: High levels of protein and fat in feed can increase the burden on the hepatopancreas. Long-term feeding of high-energy, high-fat feed can cause fat deposition in the liver, leading to hepatocyte damage or even necrosis.
Pathogenic vibrios (e.g., Vibrio harveyi, Vibrio parahaemolyticus): Once these bacteria enter the shrimp's body, they multiply rapidly and destroy normal hepatopancreatic cells, causing damage. When shrimp are infected, their immunity and resistance decline, making the hepatopancreas more susceptible to injury.
Ingestion of indigestible substances: During feeding, shrimp may consume dead algae (containing algal toxins) or sediment, which accumulate in the hepatopancreas and cause damage. The use of improper medications, such as antibiotics, during farming can also severely harm the hepatopancreas.

F-4-b(10).png

Hazards of Black Head in Shrimp

Black Head in Shrimp

/03

Primarily, it affects shrimp quality and market value, leading to a decline in consumer trust!

Shrimp with black heads are priced $0.5–1 lower per kilogram than normal shrimp. Given the current low shrimp prices, the likelihood of losses due to black head is very high, with annual losses amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars.

Additionally, black head is a chronic, long-term condition. Sudden changes in weather or water temperature can exacerbate hepatopancreatic damage, impairing the shrimp's digestion, metabolism, and immunity, making them more prone to infections and further hindering growth. Severe cases of black head can lead to mass mortality, causing significant economic losses.

Measures to Mitigate Black Head in Shrimp

Black Head in Shrimp

/04

Feeding management:

Ensure a balanced ratio of protein and fat in feed to maintain nutritional equilibrium.
Implement precise feeding practices and use high-quality feed.
Strengthen environmental management by regularly monitoring water quality.
Use aerators or air pumps to increase dissolved oxygen levels, meeting the shrimp's oxygen demands.
Plan stocking densities carefully.
Enhance disease prevention and control through regular disinfection, disease monitoring, and scientific medication to avoid issues like drug resistance and residues.

Focus on hepatopancreatic protection:

Use functional feed additives, such as bile acids, to help repair damaged hepatopancreatic cells, promote the differentiation and improvement of hepatopancreatic ducts, and enhance the utilization of fats and fat-soluble vitamins in feed.
Strengthen the detoxification and toxin-elimination functions of the hepatopancreas, significantly reducing its burden.

By implementing these measures, the occurrence of black head in shrimp can be reduced, improving farming efficiency and product quality while also protecting the farming environment and consumer health.

Protect Your Shrimp from Black Head: Causes & Countermeasures

Recent Posts

Recent Tweets

Categories

Find us on Facebook

FOLLW US