American Penaeid (API) introduced the new API Dragon line, a specially developed line of P. vannamei SPF broodstock for the Asian markets bred on Pine Island, Florida, USA. This line of vannamei broodstock was exclusively developed by API with a $2 million investment and follows the success of its High Vigor broodstock. Increased fecundity in the hatchery and increased survival rate in ponds with harsher environments are some of the key features of the new line. 

“Over the past two years, API has done extensive field testing with various lines of its High Vigor broodstock in Asia. In one of the largest DNA-based selection programs ever conducted in the shrimp farming industry, over 100,000 shrimp DNA samples were collected and analyzed by our own high throughput DNA lab located in Florida,” the company said. “More than five million individual SNPs were identified and matched with varying conditions and performance in very challenging environments. Our Dragon line is disease-resistant and capable of surviving more challenging environments, allowing for growth in harsher farming conditions and higher fecundity rates.”

For the 2021/22 season, API will offer up to 130,000 API Dragon line broodstock to select customers. More information here.