Larval rearing techniques and stock enhancement of silver seabream (Rhabdosargus sarba) in Mauritius

Abstract

The silver sea bream (Rhabdosargus sarba), has great commercial value in Mauritius. The species is a potential candidate for aquaculture. The sea bream, a winter spawner, was successfully induced to breed in captivity with HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) hormone injection (250 IU/kg body weight) in 1989 at the Albion Fisheries Research Centre. In 1997, the Coastal Fisheries Resources and Environment Conservation Project of Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) was launched to enhance the stock of the silver sea bream in the lagoon. This species breeds under hatchery conditions during the spawning season. Annually, the hatchery-produced sea bream fingerlings, of 2.0 to 2.5 cm body length, were released in the coastal areas. The larval rearing method adopted at the Albion Fisheries Research Centre is described.