Mass Propagation and Fry Production of Milkfish in Taiwan

Abstract

The establishment of mass larval production of milkfish in Taiwan is brought about by the increase in the demand for grow-out operation and fry export industry. It was in 1983 when natural spawning of captive milkfish broodstock was first observed in a private farm of Mr. Lieh-Tang Lin in Pingtung county. This has led to the refinement and successful establishment of mass larval production technology for milkfish in 1984. The technology requires a very simplified method of management by directly stocking fertilized eggs into hatching-cum-larval rearing ponds with green water. Three days after hatching, when the mouth of the larvae opens, natural food (rotifers and copepods) is supplied and the green water maintained. No further management is applied during the culture period until the desired size of marketable milkfish fry (1-1.65 cm total length) is attained, which is between 13-21 days of culture depending on the prevailing rearing temperature. Harvested fry are sold to nursery farms engaged in baitfish production (for tuna) or directly to grow-out pond operators.