The orange-spotted grouper is a commercially important carnivorous fish with high market demand in many parts of the world
In a breakthrough in the mariculture industry of the country, ICAR- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi has successfully developed two more high-value marine fishes, which have high demand in international markets.
The Institute developed the seed production of orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) and pink ear emperor (Lethrinus lentjan). The ICAR-CMFRI had already developed the seed production technology of cobia (Rachycentron canadum) and silver pompano (Trachinotus blochii)
The hatchery seed production of orange-spotted grouper, which is commonly known as Hammour, was developed at the Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of the ICAR-CMFRI, whereas the technology of pink ear emperor was developed at the Vizhinjam Research Centre of the institute.
The orange-spotted grouper is a commercially important carnivorous fish with high market demand in many parts of the world. The Institute made this achievement after the continuous efforts of scientists and technical staff for the last two years to enhance the survival rate of the larvae. Initial success in seed production of the fish was achieved in 2014, but the survival rate of the larvae was very low. After manipulating different water quality and feeding protocols, an enhanced survival rate of 10 per cent was achieved this time.