Table 1. Natural diets of the different life stages of the giant tiger prawn, Penaeus monodon
Life stages1* Food Location of study Authors  
Nauplius Endotrophy   Narciso and Morais (2001)  
Zoeae to Mysis Phytoplankton Philippines Villaluz et al. (1969)
Mysis to Postlarvae Zooplankton and small crustaceans Philippines Villaluz et al. (1969)
Postlarvae Small crabs Philippines Marte (1980)
Shrimps
Molluscs
Polychaetes
Ophiuroids
Fish debris
Sand
Silt
Adults/Juveniles Crustaceans Red Sea coast El Hag (1984)
Annelids of Sudan
Algae  
Mud Kerapuglia Thomas (1972)
Unidentified matter estuary, India
Molluscs Philippines Marte (1982)
Crustaceans
Fish remains
Seaweed, 40%    
Crustaceans, 13% Karachi, Pakistan Sultana (2000)
Detritus, 13%   Focken et al. (1998)
Juvenile, semi-intensive pond (Focken et al., 1998) Age Week 6, % of diet Week 11, % of diet Week 16, % of diet
Feed 28.9 47.5 21.7
Plant 42.3 2.1 34.3
Crustacea 1.8 22.8 31.7
Detritus 27 8.6 12.9
*1. Modified from: Piedad�Pascual (1988)