Coastal Aquaculture and Mariculture (2+1)

Unit 5 - Finfish culture systems

5.1.3. Artificial propagation

• Since the supply from wild may not be sufficient to supply the demand. The AQD of the SEAFDEC in the Philippines has developed technology to produce milkfish in hatcheries.
• Brood fish are reared in captured from the wild and reared for several years in captivity since this fish matures at the age of 5-7 years when it is at least 3.5kg weight and 60 cm in length.
• The fish are induced to spawn implantation of LH-RH cholesterol pellets.
• After spawning the eggs are collected with plankton nets and hatched at 30^oC they hatch in 24 hours.
• Fry start feeding in 2 days.
• They are maintained in green water, fed small rotifers and fertilized oyster eggs.
• After 10 days live feed is replaced by commercial artificial feed. At a density of 1500 t 6000/m², two to three weeks after hatching fry reach 1.5cm.