Annotated Identification Guide to Economically Important Marine Prawn Species in Sarawak Waters

Due to their economic value, the prawns are susceptible to overfishing of their natural resources. Therefore, it is imperative to develop an effective management plan to sustain the prawn fishery in Sarawak and Malaysia. In order to ensure sustainable management and conservation of the species, the identification of the prawn species is a necessary first step. This study aims to provide a comprehensive reference for the identification of economically important marine prawn species found in Sarawak waters. Between 2021 and 2023, samples were collected from Tanjung Bako LKIM Jetty, Union Ice Jetty, Kampung Goebilt Jetty, Kampung Meludam Jetty (in Kuching Division), Pasar Mukah Jetty, Hock Ming Jetty (Sibu division) and Hock Hai Khim Jetty, Kuala Baram Jetty, Kuala Bakam Jetty (Miri Division). All the samples collected by trawl nets, trammel nets and bag nets. Annotated descriptions were documented, high-quality images were captured, taxonomic keys and illustrations of the most helpful morphological traits for identification were highlighted to facilitate accurate species identification. Overall, 20 species belonging to 8 genera within the Superfamily Penaeoidae were identified. Among these, the genus Penaeus exhibits the highest diversity with 6 species, followed by Metapenaeus (5 species), Mierspenaeopsis (2 species), Metapenaeopsis (2 species), and one species each from the genus Parapenaeopsis, Alcockpenaeopsis, Solenocera, Kishinouyepenaeopsis and Trachysalambria respectively. The ability to accurately identify prawn species can prevent the overfishing of certain species, ensuring that more vulnerable species are protected while supporting sustainable harvesting of more abundant ones. This leads to more balanced extraction quotas, allowing fishery managers to establish limits that ensure the long-term viability of prawn populations. The correct identification of penaeid prawns until species level are crucial for government agencies to formulate decisive conservation strategies based on biology, ecology, habitat preferences of penaied prawns.