© ICAR-CMFRI
Approximately one year ago, researchers successfully achieved captive breeding for giant trevally (Caranx ignobilis). The breakthrough was recently named one of the top five fisheries innovations in the country by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and was officially unveiled by Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan during ICAR’s 97th Foundation Day in New Delhi.
“The technology is poised to significantly boost the production of this commercially important fish, contributing to the nation's seafood security and blue economy,” said CMFRI director, Dr Grinson George, in a press release.
Giant trevally is highly valued for its rapid growth rate and adaptability, making it a suitable candidate for marine aquaculture. It can be farmed in a variety of environments, including cages, pens and coastal ponds. The species grows faster than pompanos and can tolerate a wider range of salinity and water quality conditions, offering greater flexibility for farmers. Market demand is high, with prices ranging from Rs 400 to 700 per kilogram (€4 to €7 per kilogram).
CMFRI’s development of this hatchery technology overcame several challenges. The species’ natural preference for open waters and complex reproductive biology had previously made captive breeding difficult. The successful breakthrough was achieved by scientists Ambarish P. Gop, Dr M. Sakthivel and Dr B. Santhosh at CMFRI’s Vizhinjam Regional Centre.
According to CMFRI, under its standardised farming protocol and pellet feeding regime, giant trevally can reach 500g in five months and 1kg in around eight months.
