Cage Culture of Grouper (Lapu-lapu) Part 2

Summary

The video discusses the feeding and growth cycle of grouper fish in aquaculture. It explains how smaller fingerlings are fed more frequently to reduce cannibalism, while larger fish, once they reach 150g, are fed only once a day to prevent waste and environmental pollution. The cycle for growing grouper to market size takes about 16 months, with the first harvest occurring at 12 months. Grouper is highly valued in Asia, providing a high return on investment despite the long cycle, making it a profitable choice for fish farming.

Takeaways

• 🐟 Feeding small fingerlings multiple times daily reduces cannibalism and supports growth.
• 🍽️ Once the fish reach 150g, they only need to be fed once daily to prevent waste and pollution.
• 📏 Feed amount should be 3-5% of the fish’s body mass, exceeding this leads to waste.
• 📦 TTI feed is preferred for its availability, quality, and timely weekly deliveries.
• 📅 The typical growth cycle for grouper to reach market size is around 12 months, but full cage harvest takes up to 16 months.
• 💰 Grouper farming is chosen for its high market price, especially in Asia, despite the long growth cycle.
• 🔁 Only 20% of the fish reach market size in 12 months, with the remainder taking 14-16 months.
• 📉 Feeding frequency and pellet size decrease as the fish grow, reducing operational costs.
• 💼 Grouper farming is highly profitable due to the high market price and lower feeding costs after reaching 150g.
• 🌍 Aquaculture parks are suitable for foreign investors, offering job opportunities and economic benefits to local communities.

Q & A

What is the recommended feeding schedule for 1-inch fingerlings?

For 1-inch fingerlings, they should be fed as often as they are willing to eat to prevent cannibalism. Typically, they are fed fry mash since their mouths are not large enough for bigger pellets.

How should feeding be adjusted as the fish grow larger, particularly after they reach 150 grams?

Once the fish reach 150 grams, they should be fed only once a day, usually at dusk, as they tend to purge any excess food and waste it. Feeding more frequently can lead to environmental pollution and financial waste.

What percentage of body weight should be fed to the fish?

The fish should be fed 3% to 5% of their total biomass. More than 5% results in wasted food, which affects both the cost and the environment.

What are the advantages of using TTI feed for grouper farming?

TTI feed is valued for its availability, good formulation, and technical support. It is distributed in the area, delivered weekly, and the company ensures timely deliveries, which prevents the need for excessive storage and reduces the risk of disease.

How long is the full growth cycle for grouper fish until harvest?

The full growth cycle for grouper is about 16 months, with the first group of faster-growing fish ready for harvest in 12 months. Slower-growing fish take around 14 to 16 months to reach market size.

Why is grouper chosen for aquaculture despite the long growth cycle?

Grouper is chosen for aquaculture because of its high market price, especially in Asia. While the cycle is longer than other species, the return on investment is much higher due to the higher price per kilogram.

What market price does grouper fish currently fetch in Cebu?

In Cebu, grouper currently fetches about 485 pesos per kilogram, making it a highly profitable species for aquaculture.

How does the feeding strategy for grouper differ from other fish species?

Unlike other species that need to be fed three times a day, grouper only needs to be fed once a day after reaching 150 grams. This reduces feed costs and increases the profit margin.

What are the benefits of setting up fish farming operations in special zones for foreign investors?

Special zones for foreign investors are pre-selected for their suitability for fish farming, ensuring optimal growing conditions. These zones help create jobs for the local community, from cage work to potential processing plant operations, transportation, and more.

What is the broader economic impact of fish farming in the community?

Fish farming stimulates economic activity by creating jobs not only in fish farming but also in processing, transportation, and other related industries. This economic activity benefits entire communities and helps meet global food demand.