Propagation and rearing of Cobia (Rachycentrom conadum) - a review

One of the necessities for aquaculture development is approaching to cultivation of new species. Among new species, marine fishes have high importance due to advantages like high growth rate and viability for cage culture. Cobia (Rachycentrom conadum) is one of the endemic marine fish in southern Iran. Cobia has a high potential for aquaculture due to its characteristics such as rapid growth, lower puberty age, delicious taste and high market value. This species is cultivating in different countries around the world, specially southeast Asia since the 90s, but there is no significant experience on commercial rearing of this valuable species in Iran so far. There are considerable stocks of cobia in southern Iran, specially in the Persian Gulf which eases access to its eggs and fries. Development in aquaculture of cobia depends on access to sufficient information about propagation and rearing of this valuable species. Therefore, the present paper evaluated practical manual for propagation and rearing of cobia.