Cobia aquaculture

Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) are large marine finfish that support important aquaculture and fisheries activities throughout their global range.

The species exhibits many attributes favourable for aquaculture including:

  • fast growth of up to 6kg in the first year of life.
  • adaptable to farming systems
    • recirculating tanks
    • coastal marine ponds
    • sea cages
    • inland areas fed by amended groundwaters
  • superior flavour and texture compared to Yellowtail Kingfish and equivalent to Atlantic Salmon
  • strong market visibility and acceptance.

Several challenges face investment in the emerging cobia aquaculture sector. You need to consider:

  • access to high quality water supplies
  • feed costs
  • disease.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and project collaborators have developed an evolving pond-to-plate framework for cobia aquaculture in Queensland. The species has shown strong potential as a diversification option for aquaculture producers in southern and northern Queensland.

Businesses have successfully adopted, at commercial scale, breeding, fingerling, and grow-out production stages. Significant opportunities exist for expanding pond-based culture of cobia throughout Queensland.

This guide provides an overview of cobia aquaculture in Queensland.

Contact

General enquiries 13 25 23