Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Cobia breeding opens window of opportunity


By G Saravanan

Published on March 30, 2010:


CHENNAI: In a significant breakthrough in aquaculture, the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has succeeded in the breeding and larval production of Cobia, a promising species for sea farming.

At Mandapam Regional Centre of CMFRI recently, the successful broodstock development was obtained in sea cages by feeding with suitable broodstock diets. Cobia is recognised as a finfish with emerging global potential for mariculture.

Speaking to Express on the morale boosting development for the institute, G Mohanraj, Principal Scientist and scientist-in-charge, Chennai research centre, said, “Under the leadership of CMFRI’s Director G Syda Rao, the institute’s Principal Scientist and head of Mariculture Division in Mandapam Regional Centre G Gopakumar achiev ed the feat.” Mohanraj said, “Methods for induced breeding were also developed and the successful spawning and larval production was achieved.

The rearing of larvae is in progress and shortly the techniques for the successful seed production will be standardised.” The cobia has all the qualities needed for an excellent species for aquaculture. The global aquaculture production of cobia has been increasing from 2003 and the major contributors are China and Taiwan. It has been noted that the rapid growth rate and good flesh quality of cobia makes it one of the best species for future expansion of production.

The hatchery production of cobia fingerlings can pave the way for large-scale seacage farming in our country, Mohanraj added.
Increasing the supplies from aquaculture combined with effective marketing can substantially enhance cobia production in the near future.

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