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.
- Last reviewed: 29 Nov 2021
- Last updated: 29 Nov 2021