Scientists breed ‘super grouper’
KOTA KINABALU: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) fishery researchers have successfully bred a hybrid grouper that not only matures faster, but is also able to withstand the vagaries of environmental conditions.
More importantly, the first generation of the hybrid of tiger and giant groupers are now able to spawn in captivity, enabling them to be bred on a large scale.
UMS Borneo Marine Research Institute (BMRI) director Dr Rozita Shapawi said the hybrid grouper was a major breakthrough because the species could withstand fluctuations in environmental conditions caused by climate change.
For example, while most fish would be affected by changes in sea temperatures, the first and second generation of the hybrid grouper could still survive and spawn in slightly warmer or colder water conditions, she said.
Dr Rozita said the hybrid grouper could thrive in normal salinity levels.
It is also able to do so in fresh water, although its growth rate would be slower.
She added that the hybrid grouper reached maturity in about eight months, which was about 40% faster than its non-hybrid parents.
Dr Rozita said this breakthrough was the result of detailed research at BMRI since 2006.
“While the hybrid grouper has taken the seafood industry by storm, we have continued research on it,” she said, adding that growing the hybrid to maturity in the hatchery took years.
Dr Rozita said formulating the right diet and other conditions needed for its fertility had been a challenging task.
“We have also developed nursery systems for the hybrid larvae that the world has not seen before,” she said.
Their research came up with the first generation of hybrid grouper that successfully spawned a second generation with a nearly 100% survival rate.
“We will capitalise on positive genetic attributes of this second generation,” she said, adding that BMRI aimed to contribute more to the Sabahan aquaculture industry.
“This will increase a supply of much sought-after groupers to the local market and help farmers earn a premium price through exports,” she said.
Dr Rozita said another advantage was that there would be less pressure on the fast- depleting stocks of wild groupers.
Source: The Star Online
