Nursery and grow-out culture of rabbitfish Siganus guttatus in brackishwater ponds

Rabbitfish Siganus guttatus is a promising aquaculture species due to its tasty meat and commands a higher price than some aquaculture species. Moreover, it has a low protein requirement, resulting in a low-cost feed input. In the 1970s, rabbitfish farming in fishponds began in the Philippines. In 1998 and 2014, SEAFDEC/AQD published manuals titled “Biology and Culture of Siganids” and “Seed Production of Rabbitfish Siganus guttatus,” respectively. However, there has been no recent publication on the nursery and grow-out culture. As a result, this manual will provide an update on the current techniques for nursery and grow-out culture operations of rabbitfish. Research studies, particularly on diets and culture techniques, have been conducted and verified before being disseminated through this publication. The biology of Siganus guttatus is covered, as well as the brackishwater culture management techniques such as site selection, pond preparation, nursery operation, grow-out culture technique, production data, common diseases and preventions, and economic analysis. The authors hope this manual will provide fish farmers, farm operators, feed millers, aquaculturists, technicians, and students with the basic knowledge of science-based aquaculture techniques for rabbitfish and how rabbitfish farming can become profitable