Evaluation of potential Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) culture in ponds of Choebde, Abadan

Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) is a potential candidate species for rearing in pond system in Iran because of its fast growth rate, ability to adapt to varying environmental conditions and its demand in domestic as well as export markets. Hence, growth parameters, survival and body composition of Asian seabass (20.70±0.36 g) was investigated. Experiment was conducted in three ponds In Choebde, Abadan with 3500 fish per pond. Diets were fed to fish five times daily until satiation for 135 days. Temperature and salinity were maintained at 27.36°C, 18.66 ppt respectively, while dissolved oxygen did not fall below 5.7 mg L−1. At the end of the trial, final weight 474.71±7.85 g, FCR 0.98±0.02, SGR 2.29±0.03, PER 2.30±0.05 % and survival 85% was obtained. Also, protein and lipid of body composition was 21.98±0.60 and 1.99±0.09 percent, respectively. Results show that Asian seabass can be ideal aquaculture candidate species in Khuzestan province.