Growth and survival rates of hatchery-produced and wild milkfish fry grown to fingerling size in earthen nursery ponds

Growth and survival rates of hatchery-produced and wild milkfish (Chanos chanos) fry grown to fingerling size were compared. Data show no significant difference between the 2 fry. At a recommended stocking density of 30 fry/m2, hatchery-produced milkfish fry could attain fingerling size of almost 2g with a survival of 68%. The study indicates that hatchery-produced fry/fingerlings can equal the culture performance of the wild fry. Comparative performance of hatchery-bred and wild fry should encourage intensified research on milkfish broodstock development and refinement of induced spawning methods.