The status of Florida pompano, Trachinotus carolinus, as a commercially ready species for U.S. marine aquaculture

Abstract

AbstractOwing to their high value, in the 1950s researchers and commercial ventures began investigating the potential of Florida pompano, Trachinotus carolinus, for aquaculture; however, initial efforts did not result in commercialization. In the early 2000s, a renewed interest in pompano as a candidate for aquaculture occurred, and over the last two decades, protocols have been developed that have allowed commercialization of pompano aquaculture. Florida pompano broodstock can be readily conditioned to spawn (26–28°C) to produce large numbers of fertilized eggs year‐round via hormonally induced volitional tank spawning. Larval rearing is straight forward using a standard feeding regime of rotifers, then Artemia, followed by co‐feeding and weaning to microparticulate diets with metamorphosis occurring at approximately 18–25 days post hatch. Pompano readily consume formulated diets and growout of juveniles to produce marketable fish for consumption is fairly rapid (<12 months) and has been achieved mainly via recirculating aquaculture system technologies and ocean net pens. To expand industry development, there is an ongoing need for research directed towards topics including broodstock domestication, selective breeding, and genetic improvement; delayed maturation; diet development and refinement; disease management; economics and business planning; and marketing strategies.