From June 1981 to September 1982, the serum protein concentration has been used as an index of shrimp's hea1th for P.monodon female selection in the maturation units at the COP (Vairao, Tahiti). Three lots were separated according to the food supply during the pregenitor's life and the spawning index (number of spawn per female and per month) was then monitored for each female. With a captive broodstock, a minimum serum protein concentration is needed for spawning ability. [NOT CONTROLLED OCR]