lautnusantara.com As an archipelagic nation, Indonesia boasts extraordinary marine biodiversity, one of which is the fan shrimp (Thenus orientalis). This species of shrimp belongs to the Scyllaridae family and is known for its flat body shape and wide, fan-like antennae. Although not as popular as whiteleg shrimp or tiger shrimp, fan shrimp have high economic value and significant potential for development as an export commodity.

A. Morphology and Habitat

Fan shrimp are characterized by their wide, flat bodies, grayish-brown in color, and flat, fan-shaped front antennae. They can reach 20–25 cm in length and weigh up to 300 grams per shrimp. These shrimp live on sandy or muddy seabeds, usually at depths of 10–50 meters. They are nocturnal (active at night) and hide under the sand during the day to avoid predators.

B. Distribution and Resource Potential

Flaming fan shrimp are widely distributed in Indo-Pacific waters, including eastern Indonesian waters such as the Arafura Sea, Banda Sea, and the waters around Kalimantan. The catch of fan shrimp in Indonesia is still a by-catch from the capture of tiger prawns or demersal fish. However, increasing international market demand, particularly from Japan, China, and Australia, demonstrates the significant potential for its development as a high-value export commodity.

C. Nutritional Value and Uses
Flaming fan shrimp meat is renowned for its soft texture, savory flavor, and high nutritional content. 100 grams of fan shrimp meat contains approximately 18–20 grams of protein, low fat, and essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. Its cholesterol content is also lower than that of other marine shrimp. Due to its premium meat quality, fan shrimp is often used in luxury dishes such as sashimi, seafood soup, or in high-end restaurant menus.

D. Cultivation Opportunities and Challenges
Flaming fan shrimp cultivation is still relatively rare due to limited knowledge about its life cycle and hatchery technology. The larval stage of the fan shrimp has a complex morphology and requires stable environmental conditions, making artificial hatchery cultivation a major challenge. However, several studies in Asia have shown positive initial results in domestication and controlled hatchery efforts.
If cultivation technology can be developed, fan shrimp has the potential to become a new commodity with high added value, while reducing dependence on wild capture.

E. Economic and Conservation Aspects
Demand for fan shrimp in the global market continues to increase, with selling prices reaching two to three times that of tiger shrimp. However, overexploitation without proper management can threaten wild populations. Therefore, regulating catch sizes, fishing seasons, and implementing a sustainable fisheries certification system are crucial to maintaining the sustainability of this species.

Fan shrimp is one of Indonesia's marine biodiversity resources with high economic potential and significant opportunities to be developed as a leading commodity. With the support of research, cultivation technology, and sustainable management policies, fan shrimp can become a new source of foreign exchange for the national fisheries sector without compromising the sustainability of marine resources.

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