AbstractFarmed freshwater prawn production globally expanded by a factor of 3.5 in the 7 years from 1984 to 1991 but declined by 17% to 31 235 tin 1992. This was caused by a 53% reduction in the output of Taiwan due to disease and in‐breeding problems, partially compensated by increases elsewhere, notably in India and Vietnam. This paper reviews the scientific literature published between 1989 and 1994 on the culture of the freshwater prawnMacrobrachium rosenbergii(De Man 1879) and summarizes earlier work. Broodstock and larval studies, nutrition, grow‐out management, genetics, integrated aquaculture and disease and water quality are covered. Finally, a brief summary of the status and characteristics of prawn culture in the major farming locations is presented, together with some comments on the opportunities and constraints for further developm