Effect of Different Water Sources on Pond Water Quality, Growth, and Production Performance of Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in Deeba Triangle, Egypt: A Comparative Field Study

Shrimp aquaculture, particularly of Litopenaeus vannamei, is a vital component of global food systems and is rapidly expanding in regions like Egypt’s Deeba Triangle, where variable water sources affect farm productivity. This study assessed the impact of two distinct water sources Lake Manzala and the Mediterranean Sea on shrimp performance and pond water quality. A comparative longitudinal field study was conducted during the 2024 production season at a private farm using standardized semi-intensive practices. Six earthen ponds were selected and grouped by water source: Group 1 (Lake Manzala, S1) and Group 2 (Mediterranean Sea, S2), each with three ponds. Farm topography, operational procedures, and management practices were evaluated via a structured checklist, routine water quality monitoring, and biweekly shrimp sampling. Results showed S2 water had higher salinity, nitrite, and total iron, while S1 had greater total hardness. Among pond groups, only total hardness differed significantly. Shrimp in Group 2 reached target weight faster, exhibited higher weekly growth rates, and survived better. These findings highlight that source water significantly influences pond water characteristics and shrimp productivity. The consistency in pond preparation and farm operations strengthens the reliability of the results, confirming water source as the primary factor affecting performance. L. vannamei cultured in the Mediterranean Sea outperformed those in Lake Manzala, emphasizing the importance of selecting suitable water sources. Water quality improvement and locally adapted management strategies should be prioritized for sustainable aquaculture in Egypt, especially where water source modification is constrained.