Growth of the rabbitfish Siganus randalli Woodland - University of ...

SUMMARYThe results of the growth trials in tanks and ponds on Guam indicate that the growthrates of siganids and their feed conversion efficiency compare favorably with those of othercommercially farmed fishes. This was also supported by the information obtained from acommercial fish farm at Penghu, where siganids are being cultured. It seems that thecommercial production of siganids in pond culture on Guam would be feasible provided thatjuveniles for stocking the ponds could be made available on a reliable basis at a reasonablecost. Additional production trials on Guam with siganids, either in monoculture or stockedwith juvenile milkfish, would be useful in evaluating the economic feasibility of siganidculture here; such trials would require that juveniles be provided in adequate numbers and attimes appropriate for the farmer whose ponds are being used.Hatchery production of juvenile Siganus randalli has been successful, but constraintsto mass production remain. The major problem in the production of larval siganids is thehigh mortality that occurs at the time of transition from the yolk-sac stage to first feeding. Ifmortality during this critical period can be sufficiently reduced, the mass production ofsiganid larvae to support commercial production or further growth trials will be possible.27