Broodstocking and propagation techniques of Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer) larvae under captivity conditions

The present research was started in 2016 at Bandar Imam Khomeini Marine Fish Research Station. The aim of this project was to produce fertile broodstock and achieve the biotechnique of larval propagation and fry production of the Asian sea bass. In this regard, the Thai fry strain were introduced in the station over three different years and their breeding was done until the pre-breeding stage. After four years, 3- and 4-year-old female pre-brooders and 1.5-year-old male pre-brooders were produced, and in the summer of 2022, these brooders were propagated by artificial reproduction method through injecting. In Khuzestan, the reproduction season begins from June to the end of September at a temperature between 28 and 34 ºC. The fish spawning occurs between 36 and 40 h after injection at midnight. The LHRH-α2 hormone was injected intramuscularly for the artificial reproduction of this species. The percentage of fertilization, hatching, and survival of 3-day-old larvae of Asian sea bass in different months varied between 78-92%, 82-93%, and 75-85%, respectively. From February 2022 to July 2023, 208 brooders were donated to 5 private hatchery sectors in Khuzestan and Hormozgan provinces for the mass seed production of this species. The results of the current project showed that the establishment of biosecurity is the most important principle in the implementation of breeding programs, domestication of new marine fish candidates, and selective breeding programs. Also, Asian sea bass has great potential for reproduction in captivity and mass fry production, and it can help short-term programs for the development of marine cage culture in the southern waters of Iran.