Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center
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Nursery culture of mangrove crab megalopae (Scylla serrata) in pond-based net cages
No full textThis manual, titled “Nursery Culture of Mangrove Crab Megalopae (Scylla serrata) in Pond-Based Net Cages,” is part of SEAFDEC/AQD’s effort to assess the potential of using megalopae as the starting stock in pond-based net cage nurseries. The method is intended to enhance survival rates during the grow-out stage. Given the increasing availability of hatchery-reared megalopae and the high cost of crab instars, the manual also evaluates the cost-effectiveness and practical advantages of using megalopae in nursery operations. Hatchery-sourced megalopae offer key benefits over wild-caught ones, including consistent supply, environmental sustainability, disease-free status, species certainty, and stable pricing. This approach could help increase hatchery production cycles and lower overall production expenses in the crab farming industry.
The manual covers various aspects, including mangrove crab biology, site selection, pond preparation, nursery management, packing and transport procedures, and economic analysis.
The authors hope this resource will serve as a practical guide for crab farmers, farm managers, aquaculture professionals, technicians, and students by providing essential knowledge on science-based aquaculture practices.The authors would like to express their sincere appreciation to the following: (1) Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD) for funding our study with reference code: DP-03-C2024D/5309-T-TV-C0324D; (2) the mangrove crab hatchery team, previously led by Dr. Sheryll Avanceña, for providing the megalopae used in this study; (3) the staff of SEAFDEC/AQD’s Dumangas Brackishwater Station—Ms. Roselie Cabatia, Mr. Ralen Depamaylo, Mr. Nestor Ardales, Mr. Felix Javero, Mr. Efren Gonzales, Mr. Federico Sotela and Mr. Roderix Escosa—for their valuable support during the sampling, sorting, and harvesting of crablets; (4) the AQD publication review committee for their thoughtful review of the manuscript; and (5) the Development Communication team, under the leadership of Mr. Rex Delsar Dianala, for the timely editing and layout of this manual
Sea bass culture
Full text linkThis brochure provides a practical guide to the hatchery, nursery, and grow-out culture of sea bass (Lates calcarifer), a high-value food fish cultivated in Southeast Asia. It outlines best practices for broodstock selection, induced spawning, larval rearing, and nursery management to ensure high survival and growth rates. Grow-out methods in ponds and cages are detailed, including optimal stocking densities, feeding regimes, and water management. A sample profitability analysis demonstrates the economic viability of sea bass farming, showing a high return on investment under proper culture conditions
Grow-out culture of the abalone Haliotis asinina in Guimaras, Philippines: Comparison of tubes and drums as culture containers and the effects of serpulid infestation
No full textThis study compared tubes and drums as containers for the grow-out culture of abalone Haliotis asinina using mixed seaweeds and formulated diet as feed. The recycled drums were newly tested containers for abalone culture as the cheaper and larger alternative. However, on the 10th month of culture, serpulids (Pomatoceros sp. and Spirorbis sp.) were observed on the abalone shells; hence, the 12-month culture was extended to 16 months to observe further the effects of these ectoparasites on the growth and survival of abalone. Throughout the culture period, abalone reared in tubes had significantly higher mean shell length and body weight than those reared in drums, measuring 45.42 ± 0.36 mm, 23.40 ± 0.99 g, and 41.45 ± 0.23 mm, 18.26 ± 0.40 g at harvest, respectively. Mean growth rates of those in tubes were significantly higher than those in drums before serpulid infestation but did not differ during months of infestation. Survival was consistently higher in tubes than drums, except during May–September 2023. At harvest, survival in tubes was 46.7 ± 11.0%, 37.8 ± 5.9% in drums. Daily water temperature ranged 28.00–32.33 °C, salinity 16.00–34.37 ppt. Monthly readings (ppm) of dissolved oxygen ranged 3.1–7.4, sulfide 0.00–0.73, phosphate 0.01–0.87, nitrate 0.00–0.99, nitrite 0.00–0.22, and total suspended solids 0.22–4.83. In April–October 2023, serpulids became prevalent (tubes = 31.5 ± 3.4%; drums = 38.3 ± 3.4%) when mean DO was significantly lower and sulfide higher than in June 2022-March 2023. These fluctuations in water parameters may have triggered the infestation, resulting in lower growth rates and abalone survival. But, despite these fluctuations and infestations, tubes remained a better culture container for the abalone.The project was funded by the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center Aquaculture Department (Budget Code 5311-T-TV-M0222T; Study Code TV-02-M0222T)
AQD Matters 2024 November - December
No full textIn this issue: 1) Lab-grown seedlings boost farm growth multiple times; 2) Government collaboration, research infrastructure highlighted at PTAC Meeting; 3) Freshwater aquaculture training for Southeast Asian member countries; 4) SEAFDEC/AQD caps 2024 with a festive white Christmas celebration; 5) Multi-species freshwater hatchery to boost aquaculture in CARAGA region; 6) Milkfish, giant freshwater prawn thrive in same pond; 7) Sustaining aquaculture advancements in Southeast Asia: JIRCAS and SEAFDEC strengthen ties, map future plans; 8) Training course held for seaweed micropropagation, nursery; 9) SEAFDEC/AQD staff shares strategies to improve info dissemination; 10) SEAFDEC convenes 47PCM back-to-back with 27FCG/ASSP; 11) Researchers succeed in growing slipper lobster juveniles; 12) Does size matter? Female mate choice in freshwater gob
Comparative analysis of the temporal abundance of the epiphytic pest, Melanothamnus thailandicus, affecting farmed Kappaphycus striatus: Visual and molecular detection approaches
No full textKappaphycus striatus is a widely cultivated red eucheumatoid seaweed in Southeast Asia. However, infestations of epiphytic filamentous algae (EFA) have become a significant challenge, reducing biomass yields during harvest and resulting in income loss for farmers. This study evaluated and identified the EFA affecting farmed K. striatus in northern Iloilo, Philippines. Bi-monthly collections of representative individuals from a single site in a shallow water area were conducted for nine months (June 2019‒February 2020). Seaweed samples from different time points, including both visibly healthy and infested algal thalli, were further analyzed using molecular techniques to assess the effectiveness of visual examination in detecting these epiphytes. Visually, red filamentous epiphytic pests were observed during the rainy months, particularly between September and December. In K. striatus showing clear signs of infestation, these appeared as “goosebump-like” structures with epiphytic filaments protruding from the host. Molecular analysis revealed that this EFA was present in different regions of the seaweed thallus. Interestingly, the target epiphyte was also detected in thallus tissues that appeared visually healthy. PCR detection of EFA yielded higher results (25.7%) than visual examination (20.0%) (p < 0.001). Phylogenetic analysis identified the filamentous epiphyte as Melanothamnus thailandicus‒ a species not previously recorded affecting farmed eucheumatoid seaweed in the Philippines. These findings suggest that molecular identification of epiphytes is more reliable than visual inspection. Therefore, it is recommended that molecular detection methods be incorporated into biosecurity protocols, farm management practices, and seedling movement to prevent the spread and unintentional introduction of epiphytic pests in seaweed farming areas.This study was supported by the United Kingdom Research and Innovation–Global Challenges Research Fund (UKRI-GCRF) “GlobalSeaweedSTAR” Programme (Grant No. BB/P027806/1) and implemented at SEAFDEC/AQD with a Study Code: FH-01-S2017T
Catfish culture
Full text linkThis brochure introduces the essential practices in catfish hatchery, nursery, and grow-out culture, focusing on the African catfish Clarias gariepinus, a hardy and fast-growing species suited for small-scale and commercial aquaculture. It summarizes key steps in broodstock preparation, hormone-induced breeding, egg fertilization, larval rearing, pond management, feeding, and stocking techniques. The guide also outlines proper grow-out procedures and harvest considerations, and includes a brief financial analysis showing that catfish culture can be profitable even at backyard scale
Advances in reproduction and broodstock management of mangrove crabs (Scylla spp.): A review
No full textThe mangrove or mud crab (Scylla spp.) is among the most commercially important aquaculture species owing to its high demand in both local and international markets. However, the rapid expansion of farming activities has resulted in the intensive collection of wild stocks, posing a significant threat to natural populations. To address this, the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD) has developed basic larval rearing and nursery protocols for the farming of mangrove crabs. Despite these advancements, the hatchery production of seedstock remains insufficient to meet the growing demand for farming. One major challenge is the inconsistent larval quality in hatcheries, which is largely attributed to inconsistent broodstock performance. While numerous studies have explored both internal and external factors influencing the reproductive performance of mangrove crab broodstock in captivity, the findings remain fragmented. This review compiles existing research on mangrove crab maturation, providing a comprehensive overview of advancements in broodstock conditioning. It aims to identify research gaps and encourage further studies to develop improved protocols for managing captive broodstock effectively.This review is part of a funded project (2020105000-195) supported by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
AQD Matters 2025 March - April
No full textIn this issue: 1) Dr. Takahiro Sajiki named SEAFDEC/AQD Deputy Chief; 2) SEAFDEC/AQD offers expertise to boost Palau's aquaculture development; 3) DA-BFAR Caraga partners with SEAFDEC on milkfish training; 4) Women's Month celebrated with Wellness Talk; 5) SEAFDEC/AQD leads int'l workshop on sustainable aquaculture, aquatic animal health; 6) New aquaculture feed mill rises with AQD's support; 7) Training course on giant freshwater prawn held; 8) SSS holds seminar and assistance caravan; 9) BFAR staff gain practical skills in milkfish aquaculture at SEAFDEC/AQD; 10) Training course aims to boost Thailand's milkfish production; 11) Fighting deadly shrimp diseases: Effectiveness of probiotics and disinfectio
Investigating stocking density, culture duration, and the combination ratio of artificial feed and fresh feed for mangrove crab Scylla serrata megalopae reared in pond-based net cages
No full textTo address the crablet supply shortage for grow-out ponds, two experiments were conducted. The first aimed to identify the optimal combination of stocking density (SD) and culture duration (CD), while the second utilized this combination to determine the most effective ratio of artificial feed (F) to mussel meat (M) for nursery rearing of mangrove crab (Scylla serrata) megalopae into crablets. Each pond-based net cage (1 m2 area) was provided with 1 unit each of shelter and feeding tray. The first experiment assessed four SDs (50, 100, 200, and 300 ind.m−2) at two CDs (3 and 4 weeks). Results showed that crablets at 50 ind.m−2 had carapace width (CW) of 17.3 mm and final body weight (FBW) of 0.65 g after 4 weeks while the highest specific growth rate (SGR) of 19%/day was observed at 3 weeks. Although survival rates were higher (80–84%) at SD 50, 100, and 200 ind.m⁻2, a higher final harvested number of crablets was achieved at higher SD 200–300 ind.m⁻2 of 162 and 215 ind.m−2, respectively. Using the SD 200 ind. m⁻2, the second experiment evaluated 50F:50 M, 70F:30 M, 80F:20 M, and 100F alone on megalopa reared for 3 weeks. Results indicated that the 70F:30 M treatment obtained the highest SR of 69.9%, FBW of 0.28 g, CW of 12 mm, and SGR of 21.33%/day (p > 0.05). Our results indicate that a SD of 200–300 ind.m2 and a feed ratio of 70F:30 M for 3 weeks are recommended for optimal growth and maximizing crablet production of Scylla serrata megalopae in nursery rearing.This research is financially supported by the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD) with the reference code TV-01-C2021D/ 5309-T-TV-C0121D
AQD Matters 2025 September - October
No full textIn this issue: 1) Baliao continues tenure as SEAFDEC/AQD Chief; 2) SEAFDEC/AQD highlights aquaculture advances at Agrilink 2025; 3) SEAFDEC/AQD reviews 2025 progress, plans future research development initiatives; 4) SEAFDEC/AQD, private sector partner to boost pompano farming; 5) Aquaculture innovations showcased at RSTW 2025; 6) Double the crop, double the gain: Tilapia and freshwater prawn farmed together in Iloilo; 6) SEAFDEC/AQD promotes sustainable aquaculture technologies at 15th Philippine Shrimp Congress; 7) MAFAR Tawi-Tawi aquaculturists trained in mangrove crab and sandfish culture; 8) Sandfish culture training draws local, overseas participants; 9) Trainees learn mangrove crab nursery and grow-out operations at SEAFDEC/AQD; 10) 'Oplan Balik Sugpo' yields 6 tons of black tiger shrimp; 11) Fukui Prefectural University delegation trains at SEAFDEC/AQD; 12) Coastal town residents trained in proper handling of sea turtles; 13) 1.5 tiger shrimp postlarvae produced as SEAFDEC/AQD hatchery; 14) Shrimp eyestalk ablation conducted to ensure high-quality seed production; 15) Grow-out trials for hatchery-reared redclaw crayfish launched; 16) SEAFDEC/AQD stocks abalone in Guimaras for grow-out culture; 17) SEAFDEC holds 26th Information Staff Program meeting in Singapore; 18) SEAFDEC/AQD's newly-hired employees; 19) How mass spawning is triggered in oysters; 20) Did you know that some fish can change sex? 21) Faster milkfish farming: SEAFDEC/AQD harvests in under 3 month