Comparison of Nucleic Acid Levels, Ratio and Ecophysiological Aspects among Three Populations of the Fleshy Prawn Fenneropenaeus chinensis in Korea

Using biochemical methods, we determined the potential of local female shrimp populations as breeding stock to select the best adult prawns for improving larval production. As condition indexes, we selected total RNA, DNA, their ratio, and trypsin activity. The DNA content in the pleopods of each local population was similar, i.e., between $0.90{\pm}0.06\;and\;1.02{\pm}0.04(SE){\mu}g/mg$. In comparison, the RNA contents differed markedly between $2.00{\pm}0.09$ and $0.96{\pm}0.08\;{\mu}g/mg$. Therefore, the RNA/DNA (R/D) ratio in the pleopod could be used as a condition index because it represents a biochemical characteristic of the population. The mean pleopodal R/D ratio of the Goheung population was the highest at $2.52{\pm}0.19$, which indicated the best condition. Trypsin activity was influenced little by shrimp condition and more by the amount of food ingested. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) and R/D ratio in the gonads provided offsetting information about the instantaneous gonad maturity. The Goheung population had the highest instantaneous GSI, despite some spawning. Based on the condition indexes and time of gonad maturation, the Goheung shrimp population is suitable for use as breeding stock.