SELECCIÓN DE PECES MARINOS PARA CULTIVOS INTENSIVOS EN EL NORORIENTE DE VENEZUELA

Abstract

The northeast coast of Venezuela is the most important fishing region in the country, the sardines (Sardinella aurita) and other species abound in its waters, the annual catch exceeds 300.000 mt. Several factors account for this fertility: an upwelling of subsurface waters, the influence of great South American rivers (notably the Orinoco river), the coastallagoons, and the presence of numerous islands. In the island of Margarita, the possibilities of cultivating 16 species or marine fishes have been studied, but so far only two species, the spadefish Chaetodipterus faber (Ephippidae) and the permit Trachinotus goodei (Carangjdae) show any potential of intensive production. Both species reach their commercial weight (300 - 400 p;) in less than one year, show gonadal maturity and spawn in confinement. For C. faber controlled reproduction and the raising of brood have been achieved but fattening should still be optimized. Trachinotus goodei is a very disease resistant species and grows relatively fast. In this paper we discuss the realistic possibilities of cultivation for both species, and the problems that must be solved. Success depends upon the use of adequate dry feed in floating cages in this installations. Experiments with snappers, Lutjanus, and dolphinfish, Coryphaena hippurus (Coryphaenidae), are recommended, because adults of these species are caught in this area all year round, which should facilitate all activities related with reproduction and the raising of juveniles.