Sugpo or hipong puti?

By Roberto Garcia

SHRIMP culture is one of the cornerstones of the fishpond industry in Pangasinan.

But which is the best or preferred species?

Penaeus monodon or the giant tiger prawn, locally known as sugpo, has been the traditional species cultured in brackish water fishponds. Some years back it was enjoying a production boom because of the huge export demand until diseases drastically reduced its popularity for culture.

On the other hand, an “alien” species is being introduced as a good alternative for sugpo. Scientifically known as Litopenaeus vannamei, the whiteleg shrimp – it has no local name yet so let us just refer to it as hipong puti to distinguish it from P. monodon – is popularly cultured in both North and Latin America, China, Taiwan and in most southeast Asian countries.

The culture of whiteleg shrimp, according to reports, has several advantages over the culture of sugpo. Basically it is a hardy species since it tolerates salinity and temperature extremes and resists many deadly diseases afflicting shrimps. It can be stock in ponds at a higher rate, grows fast, and most importantly, can be fed with inexpensive feeds.

Overall, farming this species is easier and cheaper. But the catch apparently is the market price and consumer acceptance. According to some reports, if the shrimp is not properly harvested or transported to the market, its texture and color may change adversely, bringing the price down.

So sugpo or bingalo is still the species of choice among local shrimp growers because: it commands a better price both in the local and foreign markets, they are familiar with the culture technique, and it is still preferred by consumers for special occasions.

Although there are hatcheries producing sugpo and hipong puti fry in Dagupan, local pond operators still prefer and stock the former over the latter, which is usually stocked and cultured in the neighboring towns such as Binmaley or Lingayen.

L. vannamei seems to have a promising prospect for culture locally, but it remains to be seen. If ever, it will be a big boost to fish farmers who are struggling to eke out a modest profit from the traditional bangus farming by shifting to a more lucrative endeavor.

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