A review of SEAFDEC/AQD finfish breeding research

Abstract

Recent progress undertaken by SEAFDEC/AQD in the development of broodstock of a variety of cultured fish in the Philippines is reviewed. Spontaneous maturation and spawning has been achieved among captive breeders of grouper, milkfish, sea bass, rabbitfish, and tilapia. Hormonal intervention methods have been developed mainly to accelerated final gonadal maturation to synchronize release of mature gametes, and to control sex inversion among hermaphroditic fish such as grouper. These methods entailed the development of gonadal biopsy procedures and hormone administration protocols such as mode on introducing a variety of exogenous hormones to fish, administration intervals, and lately response times.Enhancement of reproduction by improving the diet fed to Nile tilapia, rabbitfish, and milkfish breeders has also been achieved in recent years. Protein or lipid enrichment of the diet may enhance growth of broodstock to subsequently increase reproductive performance and fry survival.Limited success has been achieved with photoperiod manipulation to effect year-round sexual maturation and spawning of milkfish and sea bass broodstock.