Cobia Fish Farm

Cobia seasonally inhabits tropical and temperate water is thus found in many parts of the world. It is popularly raised in open net cages in most countries. In the U.S., it wasn’t long since cobia was first introduced into the local fish market.

Are you interested in learning the status of cobia aquaculture in the country?

Cobia -- known by several other names like black kingfish, lemonfish and ling -- is a warm-water fish that thrives in almost every sea of the world and can live up to more than 10 years. It’s a big fish, growing up to 2 meters and weighing up to more than 50 kgs. Its fast-growing characteristic and large size makes it a possible candidate to outrun salmon in commercial success. Its growth rate even surpasses that of the salmon. The fish’s firm texture and excellent taste makes it valuable as fish food. The challenge involved in catching and hauling fish of their size makes it a popular game fish.

Cobia Farming in US

In the U.S., cobia is naturally found in the waters along Massachusetts to the Florida Keys and in the Gulf of Mexico. Its broodstock can be obtained only in certain states and some aquaculture companies. Considered as “ground-breaking” in the production of the fish in the country is the partnership of MariCal of Portland and Blueridge Aquaculture of Martinsville (Va.) to create Virginia Cobia Farms, LLC. The company raises cobia using combined water treatment and specialty feed process without the use of artificial chemicals. It distributes the fish exclusively in the U.S.

Cobia Farming Researches

While cobia farming in several parts of the world is done through the open net cage method, cobia aquaculture in the U.S. is being developed as an offshore technology. The possibility of rearing the fish closer to the market will make production cost lower. But as inland farming of cobia is still new in the country, researches are being done to make cobia farming sustainable. Specifically, researches are done to develop, among others, improved methods to rear cobia larvae and to find alternative diet to cobia’s natural feeding preference. These are important as cobia larvae need nurturing during the first week that they were hatched from eggs. And they are carnivores, feeding on shellfish and other fish. Their dependence on fishmeal for their protein intake is being criticized as an unsustainable practice.

Cobia Farming System

The recirculating system is deemed a suitable method for a cobia farm. It will make possible, in highly controlled conditions, the culture of a saltwater fish in water with low salinity. For a recirculating system, you would need a tank with a good aeration system to provide enough oxygen for the fish, and extensive water treatment system to clean the water of solid and chemical wastes.
 

43 Comments

  • m.nagoor meeran said on November 11, 2009
    useful information. However, more information on farming techniques, emerging markets and commercial value added products in the markets will add more value .
  • Dr. Mohamed A. Essa said on December 8, 2009
    Prof.fish breeding and production, National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Alexandria , Egypt
  • Dr.Abdel Nasser Bayoumi said on January 21, 2010
    Please send me more about the following points
    1. The production of cobia, focus on the main areas that you think will be relevant for a successful market development. Some of these issues could include cost of production, supply, nutrition, quality, environmental impact
    2. The major species (both farmed and wild caught) that will compete with cobia in the main markets. Describe the key areas of competition such as price, availability & supply, sustainability issues, quality, food safety, etc
    3. The market strategy for cobia, highlighting the key unique selling point for the product. Traceability and certification are likely to be important. Select and describe a relevant certification scheme for cobia, detailing the main requirements and benefits of such a scheme for market development.
    3. The Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats to the market development of cobia. Make a final conclusion on weather cobia will be a successful product, or whether the challenges from competition, supply, etc will prevent effective market development .
  • M.NAGESWARA RAO said on March 25, 2010
    how much salinity is required for the farming of cobia fish. where is the seed available. any further details please forward to my mail id. andhra pradesh, krishna district, machilipatnam, india. please send the details about this cobia fish farming
  • Kiran said on April 5, 2010
    Plz provide me details like where can i get Seed? can we grow this kind of fish in sweet water. What is the initial investment.?? Please send details to below email ID. Thanks, Kiran. Email: kanagalakiran@gmail.com
  • Nizam M. Selim said on May 22, 2010
    Please furnish us the culture details and production protocol on Cobia fish farming, pond ecology, its economics, et cetera. It would be helpful to have some guidelines on cost(s) of production, production cycle, marketable size(s) and size of investment. We shall look forward to hearing from you soon in these regards. Nizam M. Selim Managing Director & CEO Bangladesh Rural & Agricultural Ventures Ltd. House# 31 [5th Fl.]. Road# 1 Hill View H/S., 571 Nasirabad Chittagong-4200 BANGLADESH. Tel: 880 31 2553192. Fax: 880 31 2552585.
  • raviraj.t said on June 7, 2010
    well pls send us details of cobia fish farming what all seeds and feeds and needs it require to start this project wait for ur help soon, and kindly attention for the people who does research on this project send us information of about cobia fish farming and its needs so it will helpful for us thank u
  • S. Beck - GAATEM said on June 30, 2010
    To Dr. Mohamed A. Esa, Egypt, We have a submersible offshore cage and want to farm Cobia most likely in the Indian Ocean. We look for a permanent consultant within this task. Are you interested. Information under www.gaatem.com Wait your reply Best regards S. Beck GAATEM Consulting & Beck-Systems
  • Hervé Lucien-Brun said on December 8, 2010
    Hello, I am working as consultant to a large supermarket chain in France who are analyzing the possibility to introduce Cobia in their market as new specie. For this purpose, we are looking for information about the actual status of the international market for Cobia: Description of the actual main markets: USA, China. Type of presentation. Actual referential prices. Thank you very much if you could help me to have information on that items. Best regards, Herve Lucien-Brun
  • Auyrelio Jimenez said on February 18, 2011
    Do you have culture details, also density per m3, what diameter/volume circulatory tanks do you use Cobia fish farming, pond ecology, its economics, et cetera. It would be helpful to have some guidelines on cost(s) of production, production cycle, marketable size(s) and size of investment. I'm in Mexico Baja California, name Aurelio Jimenez 011 52 (686) 243 5649 thanks
  • kirk grimsley said on March 6, 2011
    Is there market for cobia fingerlings now or in the near future in the US or other countries. I am researching the possibility of operating a cobia hatchery to supply fingerlings. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Kirk
  • precious suting said on May 5, 2011
    I want to know about how cobia is being artificially breed in hatchery,and what are the management practices involved during breeding.
  • Raghunath expert adviser said on May 5, 2011

    @precious suting, Hi precious suting, people also call this fish lemonfish. These fish grow well in tropical warm weather. Usually these fish spawn before sunset and the egg would hatch after 24-30 hours. The temperature of the water should be in between 20-25 degree Celsius. The newly hatched fish are around 3mm long and black colour. After two three days they become 5mm long. When they will become around 6-7 mm long you can feed them artificial food and with in 40-50 days of culture they will reach around 10mm. When they will reach 5-6 mm long you can feed them crab, fish and cephalopod but once they will turn around 10 mm long you can feed them artificial food. After one year of culture they will reach around 5-6 Kg. There is one food conversion ratio for cobia fish in sea cage is 1:5 when using 18% of fat and 4% of protein.

    Raghunath Natarajan
    Startup Biz Hub - Advisor (Staff)

  • mehdi said on May 25, 2011
    hello,I want to know that can I grow up cobia in tank or farm? and if it possible , what must has special that tank, or farm.
  • Michael Yeary said on June 8, 2011
    I am looking for an export customer to sell Cobia to that are farm raised. We are located in South Florida. Michaeltyeary@aol.com
  • Jerry Shapcotte said on July 31, 2011
    can you send us contact info about cobia farming which we would like to put in Papua New Guinea
  • Sridhar Mani said on September 8, 2011
    Hi, I am Sridhar from Southern part of India. I would like to know the sellers of Cobia fish seeds. We are planning to check the growth of marine cobia in Freshwater environment. Please let us know where to buy cobia seeds and any related info on how to get these grown in freshwater ponds.
  • Rama Krishna said on November 7, 2011
    hi,i am from southern part of india.pls clarify the following questions.

    how offen water should be circulated for purification,is the seed available at taiwan? and which country produce seed in bulk.

    Finally tell me the size and design of the tank required if i cultivate in fresh water/sweet water.
  • saravanan said on December 9, 2011
    hi, i'm saravana. i like to have farm of cobia fish in our state. what should i do and i want to know more about this. my adress. saravana old washermenpet, chennai, tamilnady state, south india, india.
  • Alex said on January 19, 2012
    hi, we are interested in farming of cobia, what is approximate current price for the whole fish (6-8 kg) and for flash in your places, guys?
  • thomas smircic said on February 9, 2012
    seafood industry since 1941. Want to raise Cobia in mobile pens off 20 fathom curve at s.w. corner of navidad bank,Dominican Republic.
  • ramesh reddy said on April 18, 2012
    Hai i am Ramesh reddy i would like to know the availability of seeds and for marketing and feed for cobia etc send me full details to my mail
  • VISWANATHRAJU said on May 22, 2012
    I WANT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SALINITY, TYPE OF LAND FOR FARMING, FEEDS, AND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FARMING OF COBIA FISH AND WHERE THE SEEDS WILL AVAILABLE.
  • vishuraju said on May 28, 2012
    hai dis is raju frm yanam. i want more information about availability of seeds, conditions we have to maintained in the ponds about the salinity , temperature , and depth in ponds, more about the feed format and how much number we have to maintain for one acre and marketing channels we have.
  • Lee Lightfoot said on May 29, 2012
    I'd like to be able to distribute whole frozen Cobia in the South West and would appreciate it if you could just get me the company names of providers world wide, in particular US and Panama sites, I would very much appreciate it. Lee
  • chong chi vun said on August 27, 2012
    I am in sabah malaysia. currently breading seabass. would like to look forward to bread Cobia. where can i get those seed? pls infor. tks
  • antoniodias said on September 6, 2012
    I would appreciate, so please provide me details like where can i get Seed in India or abroad? can we grow this kind of fish in sweet water. What is the initial investment.?? Please send details to below email Id antoniodias@rediffmail.com
  • James Leon Johnson said on October 1, 2012
    I am interested in starting a Cobia farm in Belize, would you please send me any and all info. that may be of assistance. Including sources to purchase starters. Thanks for your help. James L. Johnson,CEO The Cobia Fish Farm, LLC, P.O., Box 224, Chappell Hill,Tx. 77426
  • Paul Breary said on October 25, 2012
    Hi everyone, I have extensive knowledge and experience in producing marine fish species for more than 20 years. During the last few years this includes experience producing cobia. If anyone is serious about starting up a cobia farming project and has significant funding (a financial appraisal suggests a minimum funding requirement of circa US$8 million)then please contact me on greekfish2002@yahoo.co.uk Thanks
  • pr reddy said on November 19, 2012
    I am in guntur district ,andhra pradesh ,india. currently farming seabass. would like to look forward to farming Cobia. where can i get those seed? pls infor.
  • Rathinavel Muthu said on November 29, 2012
    i'm looking for a business start up venture :) right now I'm 21 years old Graduated. I would like to start my business with this. So please help me with some assistance :)
  • sonnel said on December 17, 2012
    In India, RGCA Trivandrum,and CMFRI Mandapam are the two institutions which are producing cobia fingerlings and cage culture.i had visited RGCA's cage culture unit at Muttam in Kanyakumari district of Tamilnadu. They have around 50 tons of fish in 12 cages, december they are harvesting 5 tons. The first culture of cobia in ponds is going at Kattoor village, near ponneri in Madras. Kaneesh an IIT'an from Delhi is running the culture. In 4 months the fishes have attained a growth of 2.3 kg.contact number of RGCA , Anil kumar 09446616157, kaneesh 09585770918.
  • J B REDDY said on December 18, 2012
    Ponds in AC 400, are located adjacent to the sea, at Kotha kodur village, T.P.Gudur Mandal, Nellore Distrcit, Andhra Pradesh, India. I request you to provide/identify technical/financial help to culture/process cobia fish in my farm.
  • Arif said on December 18, 2012
    My hatcheries produce Cobia fry, Grouper fry, Sea bass fry, till 8cm size, continuously. My facilities at Situbondo, east java, Indonesia. Please contact my email id fr details: sayarief@yahoo.co.id. Tq.
  • Daniel Nieto Diaz-Muñoz said on March 7, 2013
    Dear Sir, I am starting a Cobia land based production in recirculation tanks, in the north of Chile. Regarding the commercial aspects, we are looking for information about the actual status of the international market for Cobia: Description of the actual main markets: USA, China, etc. Type of presentation. Actual referential prices. Thank you very much if you could help me to have information on that items. Hoping to hear from you soon, Best regards, Daniel Nieto Diaz-Muñoz Cobia del Desierto de Atacama SpA danielnieto@sustainablesalmon.cl Chile
  • Surendra said on August 13, 2013
    Ponds in AC 100, are located adjacent to the sea, at Machilipatnam, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, India. I request you to provide/identify technical/financial help to culture/process cobia fish in my farm. where i can get fingerlings of cobia fish.
  • D>Ramesh Babu said on December 10, 2013
    pl. inform me in which moths in a year cobia fingerlings are available for culture. Further, I need consultancy for cobia culture also. I would like to do in 10 acres initially as my field having saline water facility in West Godavari dist of Andhra Pradesh
  • Ram said on March 20, 2014
    Can we farm cobia in fresh water? if so can you please help me buy fingerlings ? Thanks Ram.
  • REXON said on August 11, 2014
    HAI, I AM FROM THOOTHUKUDI TAMIL NADU. CAN HELP ME ABOUT CAGE CULTURE COBIA, METHOD, TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL, MARKET SPORT BY GOVT ETC,
  • dasruth dhawka said on May 20, 2016
    Hi i'm from mauritius and our govt has identified site to farm species like cobia . i'm interested to start a small business. i need advice on that project. to start i want to invest some two million rupees. pse help
  • Mohammed said on June 30, 2016
    Hi, there I am Mohammed from the Middle East and I am interested in starting the business of cobia farm. I need to know all the relevant information to the production of cobia and type of cages. As well as possible investors in this field. Please contact me Alrawahioman@hotmail.com
  • Johnson D' Cruz said on December 5, 2016
    I would like to know about the present status of cobia aquaculture worldwide with special focus on FCR with special reference to protein and lipid contents of the feed. Any body tried cobia culture in RAS on commercial basis?
  • Srikumaran said on March 21, 2017
    If someone wants to do Cobiafish farming, he has his suitable property only some hundreds meter away from the sea coast but planing pond fish farming(building ponds near coast)! Please advice what are the essential methods you might suggest or recommend?

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