Survey on egg and fry production of giant gourami (Osphronemus goramy): Current rearing practices and recommendations for future research

Abstract

AbstractGiant gourami (Osphronemus goramy) is one of the main freshwater fish of economic importance in Indonesia. Although this species has been reared for decades, particularly in the province of West Java, and naturally spawns in captivity, the availability of fry is still a limiting factor in aquaculture. Research efforts on giant gourami aquaculture are, however, limited and do not always address the difficulties encountered by fish farmers. The objectives of the present study were to provide the first description of giant gourami egg and fry production and highlight the main problems faced by farmers through targeted questionnaires and interviews. Our results show that the production of this species from eggs to juveniles is highly segmented, and there are currently no clear and standardized production methods. Farming practices vary greatly from one fish farmer to another. Climate factors (such as rain and temperature), proximity to urban areas, and the availability and quality of food are identified as the main limiting factors for egg and fry production. Based on a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats analysis, we explore possible approaches to improve giant gourami aquaculture in Indonesia. The present study provides guidance for future research.