Question

Whiteleg shrimp, Penaeus vannamei is native to the

• A. Eastern Atlantic ocean
• B. Western Atlantic ocean
• C. Eastern Pacific ocean
• D. Western Pacific ocean

Hint:

Penaeus vannamei is native to the tropical Eastern Pacific (Pacific coast of the Americas). It was introduced to Asia (including India) as an exotic species for intensive aquaculture.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Identifying the native distribution of commercially cultured exotic species is important for understanding their ecological preferences and biosecurity risks.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The whiteleg shrimp, Penaeus vannamei (also known as Litopenaeus vannamei), is the most widely cultured shrimp species globally.
It is native to the Eastern Pacific Ocean, extending from Sonora in northern Mexico down through Central and South America to northern Peru.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, its native region is the Eastern Pacific Ocean, which corresponds to option (C).