Seafdec research advances ‘rabbitfish technology’

We, from the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center/Aquaculture Department (Seafdec/ADQ), read the article titled “BFAR says bid to breed ‘malaga’ is successful” (Inquirer, 11/15/12).

We would like to give additional information about the rabbitfish.

Seafedec/AQD has been doing research on rabbitfish (Sigamus guttatus). The research has led to the successful breeding and seed production of the species under captive condition. The first induced spawning of wild adults and larval rearing of rabbitfish was done by Seafdec/AQD in 1983. After two years, a year-round natural spawning of captive adults and mass production of fry occurred in the hatcheries. In 1986, the lifecycle of the rabbitfish was completed in captivity. In 1988, a refinement and verification of the hatchery technology was made and in the following year, larval diet was formulated for early juveniles.

From 1987 up to the present, our rabbitfish-breeding and hatchery technologies have been disseminated through our annual training course on “Marine fish hatchery operations and management.” The private sector (fish farmers), fisheries extension officers and members of the academe make up the regular participants in this training course; some receive training fellowships from the GOJ-TF (Government of Japan Trust Fund).

Seafdec/AQD is part of an autonomous intergovernmental body (regional treaty organization) that was established Dec. 28, 1967, and composed of Asean (plus Japan) member-countries. We are mandated to conduct research, develop manpower, and disseminate and exchange information on aquaculture. More information can be found on our website www.seafdec.org.ph

—FELIX G. AYSON, D.Sc.,

chief, Southeast Asian Fisheries

Development Center,

Aquaculture Department,

aqdchief@aqd.seafdec.org.ph