Rearing White Grouper (Epinephelus aeneus) in Low Salinity Water: Effects of Dietary Salt Supplementation

Abstract

The white grouper (Epinephelus aeneus) is native to the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean. It is an important species in fisheries of this region, having high market value. Our project of white grouper domestication in brackish water systems aims at developing culture methods for local conditions. The study evaluates the potential of culturing white grouper in low salinity water and the effect of an NaCl-enriched diet on this species. The results of a three-month culture period, conducted at a commercial farm, demonstrate that white grouper can grow in 3 ppt salinity and that 3% dietary salt supplementation can significantly improve its growth. However, the overall growth performance in low salinity was below expected for this species and further research is needed to develop culture practices for white grouper.