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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stuttgart, Arkansas » Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Cntr » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #152124
Title: POND REARING OF LARVAL AND JUVENILE COBIA RACHYCENTRON CANADUM, IN THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES: INITIAL OBSERVATIONS

Author
item Weirich, Charles
item SMITH, THEODORE - SC DEPT NATURAL RESOURCES
item STOKES, ALVIN - SC DEPT NATURAL RESOURCES
item DENSON, MICHAEL - SC DEPT NATURAL RESOURCES
item JENKINS, WALLACE - SC DEPT NATURAL RESOURCES

Submitted to: Journal of Applied Aquaculture
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/20/2003
Publication Date: 9/1/2004
Citation: Weirich, C.R., Smith, T.I., Stokes, A.D., Denson, M.R., Jenkins, W.E. 2004. Pond rearing of larval and juvenile cobia rachycentron canadum, in the southeastern united states: initial observations. Journal of Applied Aquaculture. 16(1-2): 27-44.

Interpretive Summary: Primarily because of rapid growth and high market value of cobia, Rachycentron canadum, coupled with the success of initial culture efforts inTaiwan, interest in this species as a potential aquaculture candidate for the U.S. has increased greatly in recent years. However, only limited information has been compiled regarding husbandry and production-related issues of this species. The present study was conducted to evaluate the potential of rearing larval and juvenile cobia in ponds. Although cobia cultured in ponds exhibited phenomenal growth on natural and formulated feeds, survival rates were rather low. Results of this study indicate that cobia larvae and juveniles can be reared in pond-based culture systems, however additional research is needed to refine this approach.

Technical Abstract: The potential of rearing larval and juvenile cobia, Rachycentron canadum, in ponds was investigated. Larval cobia, obtained from tank spawning of wild-caught adults, were stocked 48-72-h post-hatch at a rate of 700,000/ha into three fertilized 0.25-ha ponds. At one week post-stocking (WPS), fish were observed consuming formulated feed. Growth was rapid, with specific growth rates (SGR) ranging from 12.5-19.2% body weight/d. At harvest (5 WPS) fish reared in two ponds weighed 7.9 and 9.3 g and total length (TL) was 118.9 and 129.3 mm, respectively (all fish reared in remaining pond died the night prior to harvest due to aerator failure). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was 3.8 for both ponds and survival was 5.3 and 8.5%. Low survival rates were thought to be due primarily to cannibalism. Immediately after harvest, fish were restocked into two 0.25-ha ponds at a stocking rate of 14,400/ha. Fish were fed formulated, pelleted feeds. Growth was rapid up to ~ 9 WPS, after which pond water temperatures declined. Ponds were harvested at 13 and 15 WPS, respectively. Final weight of fish was 309.9 and 362.5 g. Final TL was 343.1 and 355.7 mm. FCR was 3.8 and 4.5 and survival was 27.5 and 30.5%. Major losses of fish were associated with avian predators and possibly a toxic algal bloom. Results of trials indicate that cobia larvae and juveniles can be reared in pond-based culture systems, however additional research is needed to refine this approach.