Propagation and rearing of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) - a review

Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) is one of endemic fish of Iranian southern water bodies which is called Barramundi in some scientific references. This species is cultivated widely in some countries around the world including Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand and China. However, there are limited experiences on rearing of this fish in Iran during recent years. Asian seabass has high commercial value due to desired characteristics such as rapid growth, dense ability, high resistance to diseases and unfavorable conditions, high nutritional value and palatability. Despite mentioned profits, still commercial culture of this species is not developed in Iran sufficiently. Development in aquaculture of this valuable fish is needed to accurate and precise information on its biology and biotechniques of propagation and rearing. Therefore, the present information is prepared to present a manual for captive propagation and also methods of rearing of this fish in different aquaculture systems.