When comparing the levels among shrimp groups during the same molt stages, no significant differences were detected. When comparing within the same shrimp group but during different molt stages, the levels in the largepositive and large-negative shrimp during early premolt were significantly (Pb0.05) higher than those during all other stages. Whereas in small-positive and small-negative shrimp, early premolt levels were significantly (Pb0.05) higher than those during intermolt and late premolt.