Growing up to a foot long, three to a kilo and with a taste very much likened to lobster and tiger shrimp, one would wonder why not more people in the Philippines are farming freshwater prawns. Locally known as ulang or pahi, the giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) is the largest of its kind and is naturally found in river systems of the Philippines. Freshwater prawns immediately contrast from shrimps with their long claws that are up to twice their body length. Dr. Frolan Aya, a scientist at the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC), said the prawn “is a promising alternative to tiger shrimp due to its high market value, high export potential and low susceptibility to diseases.”

Dianala, R. D. (2020, March 14-15). Freshwater prawn a sustainable alternative to tiger shrimp. Daily Guardian, pp. 7, 12.