Revealing the Growth, Osmoregulation, Biochemical Composition and Histological Alterations in Pacific White Shrimp Penaeus vannamei Reared in Potassium Fortified Inland Saline Groundwater

Present study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of potassium fortified inland saline water (ISGW) for growth, osmoregulation, biochemical composition, and gill histological changes of Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei for the period of 60 days. Sub-adult shrimps (14 ± 0.24 g) were reared in ISGW of different salinities (5 ppt, 10 ppt and 15 ppt) fortified with potassium (25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of equivalent potassium level in sea water). The growth and survival rate were significantly increased with the enhanced salinity and potassium fortification. Osmolality of shrimps was significantly affected by the salinity and potassium levels. Iso-osmotic point of the shrimp was attained between 10 and 15 ppt test salinities, exhibited by the maximum growth and other physiological parameters. The significantly higher crude lipid was found in shrimps at 5ppt. Biochemical composition and fatty acid profile also suggested suitability of rearing P. vannamei at 10–15 ppt salinity with potassium fortification of 75–100%.Distinct histological changes were recorded at 5 ppt and at lower potassium fortification treatments due to the mineral deficiency of potassium and salinity stress. The present trial thus augments the importance of fortification of K⁺ at the rate of 75–100% potassium at 10–15 ppt salinity for the growth and wellbeing of for P. vannamei culture in ISGW.