The evaluation of nutritional requirements, valuable nutrition and sea cage culture of cobia (Rachycentron canadum)

Document Type : مقاله ترویجی

Authors

1 ..

2 .

3 South Iran Aquaculture Research Center, Marine Aquaculture Research Station

Abstract

Cobia, Rachycentron canadum, is an important species for aquaculture worldwide. This species exhibits fast growth and can reach between 4 and 6 kg in 1 year. Cobia are carnivores and their protein and lipid requirements are 44.5 and 5.76 % respectively. In addition, to achieve optimal specific growth rate for cobia, a dietary carbohydrate supplementation of 21.1 is required. In environmental condition, fish is the predominant diet composition for cobia with 95.3%, followed by squid (3.1%), crab (1.5%), and shrimp (0.07%). The protein and lipid contents in cobia fillets were 20.3 and 6 % of wet weight respectively. The amount of total EPA + DHA in the cobia fillets was 0.2 g/100 g-1. Expenses related to feed, fingerlings and labor were the most important components of the operational costs in cobia cage culture. Therefore, cobia as a native species, is the candidate species for introducing to cage culture in Iran due to its fast growth.

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