This study examined the effects of temperature on growth, adenosine phosphates, ATPase and cellular defense response of juvenile shrimps Macrobrachium nipponense. The results showed that specific growth rates in the temperature range 22–32℃ were significantly (P < 0.05) greater than that at 16 and 20℃, and were highest at 25℃. The average (0.513 ± 0.032) of hepatopancreas Na+–K+ ATPase activities in the temperature range 16–22℃ were enhanced 1.38-fold than that (0.216 ± 0.069) of hepatopancreas Na+–K+ ATPase activities in the temperature range 25–32℃ (P < 0.05). The adenylate energy charge (AEC) in muscle showed higher value (P < 0.05) at 16°C and 20°C compared to in the temperature range 22–32℃. ROIs level of abdominal muscle at 25℃ was the lowest (P < 0.05). Moreover, SOD activity of abdominal muscle at 22–30℃ was higher (P < 0.05) than that at 16 and 32℃. 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.