The demand for high
quality fish products is increasing.
Likewise, world supplies of wild fish stock are decreasing. So, aquaculture represents an alternative
means to meet the increased demand for fish products.
To date, aquaculture is
the most rapidly growing segment of the agricultural sector in most Asian
countries. In Thailand, Cambodia,
Malaysia, and Indonesia some of the more established species currently produced
on fish farms include catfish, pangasius, carps, eels, snakeheads, and tilapia.
Catfish
Catfish or
hito is valued for food and sport. It lives in many freshwater streams, and they
are mostly nocturnal scavengers, living near the bottom in shallow waters. Catfish usually measures less than 18 inches
long. The largest catfish, reportedly
reaching a weight of 290 kg (650 lb) and a length of almost 13 feet is a
European species, the sheatfish.
Pangasius
The giant Mekong
Catfish or Pangasius which lives in the Mekong River, easily reaches 2.5 metres
in length and is an important food resource.
Successfully cultured by the Thais, it now reaches the Philippines
aquaculture.
Carps
Carp is reputed to be
the most efficient plant eating fish and it has been used to control aquatic
vegetation in China, the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. It is an important food fish in many
countries. The grass carp (native to
China) can weigh up to 32 kgs and feeds on water weeds.
Eels
& Snakeheads
Eels & Snakeheads are naturally hardy and tough fishes, being able to survive transportation with limited water. Their flesh are said to have medicinal powers. Their resilience seems to endear them to Chinese and even Malay medicine. Soups and dishes made from these fishes are reported to be able to cure many ailments.
Tilapia
Tilapia is
a fast-growing tropical fish native to Israel. They are prolific breeders and can be produced
in outdoor ponds and indoor systems.
Tilapia can survive on a diversity of food. Tilapia is extremely hardy they can withstand
a relatively greater amount of disease and temperature variability. Key factors in the success of tilapia farming
are: appropriate ponds with concrete sidewall, water quality &
availability, stock quality, feed quality and financial backing.
When you
have all of the above, market viability is the next preference.