FISHMAIL

PUBLICATION OF THE MALAYSIAN FISHERIES SOCIETY

V OLUME 14, ISSUE 2, J ULY -S EPTEMBER 2005
Established 1987

The Inside Story

Intensive Farming of Tilapia in Concrete Tanks HPPNK 2005 Award Winner The Tagal System Conservation of Kelah East Malaysian Company Creates Stir Evaluating Spawning Induction in Channel Catfish Reproductive Behaviour of the Mudskipper Raising The Betta Corporate Profile: A-Class Fish Farm Sdn. Bhd. 4 9 11 14 18 20 22 12 5

Malaysian Fisheries Society

Persatuan Perikanan Malaysia

Established 1987

To champion the aquaculture and fishery industry towards a healthy, balanced and sustainable development President
intersea@maxis.net.my

Mr. Ng Chee Kiat

Vice President
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aziz Arshad
azizar@fsas.upm.edu.my

Secretary
Dr. Annie Christianus
anniechr@yahoo.com

Treasurer
Prof. Dr. Fatimah Md Yusoff
fatimah@ibs.upm.edu.my

Editor
Ms. Sugania Vijayan
suga@syndel.com

Council Members
Prof. Dato Dr. Mohamed Shariff Mohamed Din
shariff@vet.upm.edu.my

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ng Wing Keong wkng@usm.my, ngwingk@yahoo.com Dr. Zuridah Merican Mr. Yip Kam Toh

mericant@streamyx.com

yipkt2000@yahoo.com

ronaldcheong@mflour.com.my

Mr. Ronald Cheong

ismailabuhassan@dof.moa.my

Mr. Ismail Abu Hassan Mr. Mahmud Ismail

imahmud@tm.net.my

Auditors
Mr. Gopinath Nagaraj Mr. Ronnie Tan

FishMail cover design, layout & format by Sugania Vijayan

2

Editorial
Dear Members, Weve been receiving very encouraging letters as well as feedback from members on various fisheries related issues. Weve posted a couple in this issue of the FishMail. Were also bringing to your attention an individual and an organization that has recently been awarded for their effort in achieving success in aquaculture as well as pioneering an innovative system that has contributed to conservation of indigenous fish species. Its great to see aquaculture companies making news headlines in the financial section of newspaper; congratulations to Borneo AquaHarvest in joining the ranks of Xian Leng in being a public listed company. If the Asian Aquafeeds seminar organized by MFS is anything to judge by, then please know that the Mahseer 2006 will not only meet the high standards we have set but upstage it. To those who missed the Aquafeeds seminar, register now for the Mahseer 2006 lest you miss out! By the time this issue is in your hands, the MFS organized trip to China should be well on its way. If this is your first time hearing about the trip, thats a shame as we have advertised it in the last issue and spread the word around plus its been posted on our website for sometime now. Go on then, surf our website, make sure you keep yourself constantly updated on the exciting activities we keep putting together for your benefitits http://www.vet.upm.edu.my/~mfs/ If you have any suggestions on an individual or company not in the public eye yet deserves to be recognized, please write in to us. Were also interested in featuring new technology, farming techniques, ideas/practices that are unconventional and out of the box. If you have information, share it! In this issue, page 9 is my personal favourite, its a bright spark of fun in the midst of dry (but never boring!) write-ups. Sugania Vijayan Tel: (012)-327 6737 E-mail: syndel@streamyx.com

Contents
Intensive Farming of Tilapia in Concrete Tanks HPPNK 2005 Award Winner Presidents Message Secretarys Message Response to Selection and Realized Heritability for Cold Tolerance in Juvenile Macrobrachium rosenbergii Upcoming Society Events Upcoming World Fisheries Events The Tagal System:The Most Outstanding Environmental Friendly Project 2005 The Fishess Tale Mahseer 2006 Conservation of Kelah East Malaysian Company Creates Stir Evaluating Spawning Induction in Channel Catfish Corporate Members New Members Industry Achiever Letters to Editor Reproductive Behaviour of the Mudskipper Raising The Betta: Perspectives From A Childhood Passion Corporate Profile Publications Advertisement 22 23 24 20 15 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 14 8 8 9 5 6 7 7 4

On the cover

Marble Grouper Adults from the Farm of Plentiful Harvest (subsidiary Borneo of AquaHarvest)
3

PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
about this perceived problem? There is a current shortage of fish supply from sea catches resulting in increased prices for marine fishes from fishermen. There is no better time than to consider aquaculture as a viable business option. Adding to this, it is about time that investors take a serious look at aquaculture feed manufacturing especially for shrimp feed. This is because almost 90% of the shrimp feeds used in Malaysia is imported. Malaysia has currently one of the lowest energy costs, among the major fish producers in the region, in view of the on-going oil crisis. Our feed manufacturing costs are probably the lowest in the region as there are no taxes on imported raw materials. Firstly, I would like to offer my apologies on behalf of the council for the late delivery of the previous FishMail. We have taken remedial measures and I am happy to be able to have this FishMail available for our trip to South China. I also hope members can contribute more to the contents of the FishMail. In my last message, I lamented on the issue of financing (or lack of) as a major constraint towards the development of aquaculture in Malaysia. I am happy to note that an aquaculture based company in Sabah, Borneo Aqua, has been accepted for listing on MESDAQ. This is indeed a good sign that the financial circles are looking at aquaculture in a more positive light. The issue of government support (or lack of) for aquaculture was also raised during the recent Hari Peladang celebrations held in Shah Alam, Selangor. One of the key issues raised was the lack of processing facilities for freshwater fishes. During the discussion, an officer responsible for freshwater fish marketing in FAMA offered his explanations on why fishes, like Tilapia cannot be developed successfully in Malaysia for the international market. Issues raised include the high cost of production, lack of available technology and also lack of production standards. While I do not agree with most of the issues raised, the question that needs to be asked is what FAMA is doing
4

The MFS is committed to seeing Malaysia succeed in aquaculture, by being self sufficient in fishery produce. To assist this, we are planning programs and activities that promote sound and sustainable activities in the industry. One of this is to organize field trips for members, and interested persons, to visit other parts of the region to learn first hand the aquaculture and fishery activities carried out. In the last 5 years, we have had 2 such programs to South Thailand and the Mekong delta of Vietnam. This year we have planned a 1week trip to Southern China. China is the largest aquaculture country in the world accounting for about 20 million metric tons, or slightly more than 51% of the worlds production. China is also the largest producer of Tilapia in the world and is the largest exporter of both frozen whole and filleted tilapia to the United States. As we are going into the last quarter of the year, I am glad to announce that our plans for Mahseer 2006 are going well and we hope to help make Malaysia the leading center for this fish which is the pride of Asian rivers. I look to another successful quarter for the MFS and hope that many of our members will be reading the FishMail with enthusiasm. Best wishes, Ng Chee Kiat

SECRETARYS MESSAGE
Market, Hatchery, Marine and Following the first two meetings of the organizing a Fish Geo-Membrane Cage Cultures factory. and committee for Mahseer 2006, it was decided that and 30th of March 2006.

the symposium on Mahseer should be on the 29th

brochures had been sent out to relevant parties and presentations are welcome. organizations. Participation for

Announcement poster

latest update on the Society activities. For any Dear Members, Secretariat at 03-8948-8246 or email at

Please visit the Societys website for the

enquiries on the Society, you can contact the

for the Aquaculture Trip to China. The trip will will cover visit to sturgeon and abalone farms,

It is already September, this is the month myfisoc@time.net.my.

be from 26th September to 2nd October. This trip Thank you for your support to the Society. Ornamental Fish Trading Center, Live Seafood Annie Christianus

"RESPONSE TO SELECTION AND REALIZED HERITABILITY FOR COLD TOLERANCE IN

By Ronald Cheong. *(Ronald is currently working with Dindings Feed. He submitted this abstract as part of his M.Sc. thesis to the graduate faculty of the Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, School of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, 1986.)

JUVENILE MACROBRACHIUM ROSENBERGII (DEMAN)"

Response to selection and realized heritabilities for cold tolerance were measured in positive selected lines of juvenile Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Two lines of juveniles were subjected to a temperature decrease of 1.0C per day until 8.3% and 21.3% survived fom each line, respectively. The selection differential for each line was 0.6 degrees C. Surviving juveniles were grown to adults in earthern ponds. Juvenile offspring from the two selected lines were produced in two replicate larval cycles and subjected to the same cold tolrence test as performed on the parental generation. A significant difference (p<0.01) was found between replications. When the replications were analyzed separately, replicate two had a significant difference (p<0.01) in cold tolerance between lines. Responses to selection for cold tolerance in selected lines one and two were 0.2 C and 0.3 C, respectively, in the first replicate; and 0.6 C and 0.3 C in the second replicate. Realized heritabilities for lines one and two were 0.3 +_ 0.09 and 0.5+_ 0.05 in the first replicate and 1.0 +_0.04 and 0.5+_ 0.06 in the second replicate. Pooled heritabilities for lines one and two were 0.9+-0.04 and 0.5+_0.04, respectively. No correlation between lethal cold temperature and total length of juvenile prawns was apparent (p=0.14, p=0.27).
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Date
September 26 October 2, 2005

Events & Locations

TRIP TO SOUTHERN CHINA. For more information, please refer to the next page. Interested parties are invited to contact the MFS Secretary, at annie@putra.upm.edu.my, anniechr@yahoo.com

29-30 March 2006 MAHSEER 2006. A seminar in promotion on the Kelah fish will be held in Kuala Lumpur. For more

information, interested parties are invited to contact the MFS Secretary, at annie@putra.upm.edu.my, anniechr@yahoo.com 4 DAYS TRADE VISIT TO SOUTH INDIA. The program is organized by the Malaysian Fisheries Society together with the Confederation of Fisheries & Aquaculture Industry Welfare Organization of India. For more information, interested parties are invited to contact the MFS Secretary, at anniechr@yahoo.com THE ROYAL BELUM FISH PARK SURVEY. A survey of the fish species found within the rivers flowing from the park. For more information, interested parties are invited to contact the MFS Secretary, at annie@putra.upm.edu.my, anniechr@yahoo.com

To be confirmed

To be confirmed

For the latest updates on upcoming events, please check our website at http://www.vet.upm.edu.my/~mfs

Date
19-21st October 2005

Events & Locations

2nd International Sustainable Marine Fish Culture Conference
The conference will feature latest research on new production technologies for land-based recirculating tank systems, ponds, inshore net cages and offshore netpens. Presentations will address biology, engineering, integrated health management, and nutrition and feeding practices. Contact : Simon Wilkinson Email : kriley@hboi.edu URL : http://www.sustainableaquaculture.org

24-27 October 2005

6th Symposium on Diseases in Asian Aquaculture (DAA VI), Colombo, Sri Lanka
The theme of the sixth symposium is 'Aquatic Animal Health Facing New Challenges'. A workshop, a training course, an expert consultation and the 7th Triennial General Meeting (TGM-7) of FHS are being planned in conjunction with DAA VI. Details will be made available through a dedicated website to be launched in October. Contact : Melba Reantaso Email : Melba.Reantaso@fao.org URL : http://afs-fhs.seafdec.org.ph/

6-8 November 2005

VIBRIO 2005, Het Pand, Ghent, Belgium

Cutting-edge studies covering the four main streamlines of current research i.e. Biodiversity, Ecology & Applications, Genomics, and Disease & Epidemiology will be presented during Vibrio 2005. The meeting is targeted at bacterial taxonomists, microbial ecologists, genome researchers, health management workers and students. Contact : Peter Dawyndt Email : Peter.Dawyndt@UGent.be URL : http://lmg.ugent.be/vibrio2005

7-12 November 2005

7th Indian Fisheries Forum

The triennial meeting of the Asian Fisheries Society (Indian Branch), in collaboration with the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal & Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar, Hebbal Campus, Bangalore; and the Forum of Fisheries Technologists, Bangalore. Contact : Dr C. Vasudevappa Email : cvasu@7iff2005.org URL : http://www.7iff2005.org/

1 November 31 December 2005

Training course on Fish Quality Assurance

Food safety, quality and trade : Trade-related conferences, workshops and meetings.An international training course on Fish Quality Assurance will be held at the Fisheries College and Research Institute of Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, India. Lectures will cover quality assurance, total quality management (TQM), HACCP, GMP, SSOP, SCP, ISO 9000 standards, USFDA regulations, EU hygienic regulations, microbial hazards, microbial quality indices, marine toxins, chemical hazards, biochemical quality indices, instrumentation, recent trends in fresh fish preservation. Contact : Dr. R. Santhanam. Email : ttn_jerosh99@sancharnet.in URL : http://library.enaca.org/PDF/quality-assurance-05.pdf The 1st Malaysian International Ornamental Aquatic Industry Exhibition & Conference is scheduled to provide a perfect platform for the world to view the Malaysian ornamental aquatic industry. Contact: Ms. Yeo Moi Eim or Mr. Velu Murugan Ramasamy Tel: +603-8870 4000 Email: aquafair@dof.moa.my Website: www.agrolink.moa.my/dof 6

16-19 November 2006 Malaysia Aquafair 2006.

MAHSEER 2006
International Symposium on the Mahseer
Date : 29th and 30th March 2006 Venue : Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Organized by : Malaysian Fisheries Society Supported by: : - KAGUM - Titiwangsa Heritage

Co sponsors : - Department of Fisheries, Malaysia - Department of Agriculture, Sarawak - Department of Wildlife, Malaysia - Network of Aquaculture Centers in Asia Pacific - Universiti Putra Malaysia - INFOFISH - Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM)

Department of Fisheries, Malaysia

Department of Agriculture,Sarawak Departmentof Wildlife,Malaysia NetworkofAquacul ture

Lembaga Kemajuan Ikan Malaysia

The Malaysian Fisheries Society is organizing this International Symposium on the Mahseer", with a view to provide a forum for the exchange of information and ideas in order to f o r m u l a t e strategies for the aquaculture and conservation of Tor . The groundbreaking 2-day seminar will be the first international gathering of scientists and professionals focusing on various aspects of the Mahseer ranging from taxonomy and genetics, breeding and culture, conservation practices and social impact. Organized into 4 sessions, the seminar will comprise oral presentations from invited speakers. Poster presentations are also invited for presentation during the seminar. WHO SHOULD AT T E N D This seminar will be of interest to Fish Hobbyists, Scientists, Fisheries Managers, Aquaculturists, Anglers, Policy Makers as well as Researchers. INFORMATION FOR INTERESTED PARTICIPANTS

Those interested in participating at this Symposium can contact the Secretariat by e-mail or writing to the Malaysian Fisheries Society as per the contact provided in the registration form overleaf. Prospective presenters should submit an abstract of their proposed presentation to the Chairman of the Scientific Committee (Prof Sena de Silva; sena.desilva@deakin.edu.au) by 30th November 2005. A proceeding of the Symposium will be published. The Chair of the Scientific Committee, on acceptance of your abstract, will inform you of the details on the preparation of the manuscript. All manuscripts will be subjected to peer review, prior to publication. There will be a Post Conference Tour arranged for interested delegates to visit locations in Malaysia where Mahseer research and commercialization is carried out. REGISTRATION FEES
By January 31st 2006 Local participants International participants Members* Students RM 450.00 USD 200.00 RM 350.00 RM 250.00 After February 1st 2006 RM 550.00 USD 250.00 RM 450.00 RM 350.00

For further information, please contact the Secretariat of Malaysian Fisheries Society at : 03-8948-8246 or 012-339-1078 (Dr. Sanjoy/Dr. Annie) or email to myfisoc@time.net.my or anniechr@yahoo.com

EVALUATING SPAWNING INDUCTION IN CHANNEL CATFISH Ictalurus punctatus USING sGnRHa AND DOMPERIDONE COMPOUNDS
Jeffrey Silverstein*, Jim Powell, and Anita Kelly*
*US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service, Catfish Genetics Research Unit, USA Syndel Laboratories Ltd. Vancouver, Canada

Spawning success of channel catfish in ponds generally ranges from 30-50 %. This low spawning rate requires the maintenance of a large surplus of broodfish. To improve spawning success and predictability of spawning we have undertaken studies of induced spawning in the pond environment. Previous work showed that a combination of gonadotropin releasing hormone and dopamine antagonist rapidly induces final maturation and ovulation of channel catfish in spawning cages. To extend this work to pond spawning we treated channel catfish with slow release implants containing gonadotropin releasing hormone with or without a dopamine antagonist 3 weeks prior to the beginning of natural spawning. On April 20 implants containing sGnRHa (OVAPLANT,Syndel Laboratories Ltd.), sGnRHa and domperidone or placebo implants were intramuscularly Literature References which you can use to guide you in the use of (i.m.) administered to channel catfish females. All males OVAPLANT: were treated with sGnRHa implants. These fish were stocked into 0.04 hectare ponds, 22 females and 12 males Alemandras, J.M., Duenas, C., Nacario, J., Sherwood, N.M. and Crim, L.W. 1988. Sustained hormone releaseIII: Use of gonadotropin-releasing to a pond, all treatments were maintained in triplicate. There were no differences between the treatment hormone analogues to induce multiple spawning in the sea bas, Lates calcarifer. Aquaculture. 74: 97-111. groups for spawning rate, partly due to wide variation between replicate treatments. Nevertheless, the rise in Crim, L.W. 1985. Methods for acute and chronic hormone administration cumulative percent spawning continued longer in the in fish. In: Reproduction and culture of milkfish. Proc. Workshop of the control group which had the highest mean spawning rate of Tunkang Marine Laboratory, Taiwan. April 22-24, 1985. C.S. Lee and I.C.Liao eds. Tunkang Marine Laboratory and Oceanic Institute. Hawaii. Pp. the three treatments. The increase in percent spawning for 1-13. both sGnRHa (OVAPLANT,Syndel Laboratories Ltd.), and sGnRHa+domperidone treated females slowed earlier than Goudie, C.A., Simco, B.A., Davis, K.B. and Parker, N.D. 1992. Reproductive in the control treated females (see arrows). Treatment with performance of pigmented and albino female channel catfish induced to spawn with HCG or Ovaprim. J. World. Aquacult. Soc. 23: 138-145. slow release implants of sGnRHa (OVAPLANT,Syndel Laboratories Ltd.), and sGnRHa + domperidone appears to Lee, C.-S., Tamaru, C.S., Banno, J.E., Kelley, C.D.,Bocek, A. and Wyban, J.A. have sped the occurrence of spawning but not increased 1986. Induced maturation and spawning of milkfish, Chanos chanos the percent success. Future work will focus on the rates of Forsskal, by hormone implantation. Aquaculture. 52: 199-205. delivery of induction compounds. Marte, L.M., Sherwood, N., Crim, L. and Tan, J. 1988. Induced spawning of
the maturing milkfish (Chanos chanos) using human chorionic gonadotropin and mammalian and salmon gonadotropin releasing hormone analogues. Aquaculture, 73: 333-340. Mason-Garcia, M., Vigh, S., Comura-Schally, A.M., Redding, T.W., Somomgyvari-Vigh, K., Horvath, J and Schally, A.V. 1985. Raidoimmunoassay for 6-D-tryptophan analog of luteinizing hormonereleasing hormone: Measurement of serum levels after administration of long-lasting microcapsule formulations. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA.88: 1547-1551. Mylonas, C.C., Gissis, A., Magnus, Y. and Zohar, Y. 1997. Hormonal changes in male white bas (Marone chrysops) and eveluationof milt quality after treatment with sustained-releasing hormone. Powell, J.F.F., 1995. Gonadotropins I and II in Chinook salmon induced to spawn in seawater and freshwater with a salmon gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog In: 1994. Powell, J.F.F. 1994. The origin and evolution of gonadotropin-releasing hormone in bony fishes. Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Zohar, Y., 1996. New approaches for the manipulation of ovulation and spawning in farmed fish. Bull. Natl. Res. Inst. Aquacult. 0(Suppl. 2): 43-48.

CORPORATE MEMBERS The Malaysian Fisheries Society wishes to express its gratitude for the continuous support of its corporate members and we hope to maintain our relationship with them through an active participation in all our future activities. Tacara Sdn Bhd
TB 4104, 2nd Floor, Lot 51 & 52, Block D, Bandaran Baru II, Putrajaya Wetland Taman Wetland Putrajaya Presint 14, 62301 PutraJaya

Aquatics International Sdn Bhd

260 A Jalan Satu A, Subang N/V 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor

Safe World Enterprise (M) Sdn. Bhd.

100 Jalan Tengku Kelima P. O. Box 18, 41720 Kelang, Selangor

Xian Leng Bhd

120, Jalan Terasik Dua Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur

Sabah Fish Marketing Sdn Bhd

Locked Bag 109 88999 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Persatuan Nelayan Kebangsaan, NEKMAT

152, Tingkat 1, Jalan 2/3A Pusat Bandar Utara KM 12 off Jalan Ipoh, 68100 Kuala Lumpur

Dindings Soya & Multifeeds Sdn Bhd

No. 163, 10th Floor, Wisma MCA. Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur

NEW MEMBERS
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
Ling Tak Wai PO Box 99, 96507 Bintangor, Sarawak 0138123772, 084692621 Eric Lo Kok Kiong Lot 1619, Tmn Riverview, 93450 Kuching, Sarawak 019-8871223 ericlokk88@hotmail.com Goh Kean Leong No. 20, PT5715, Taman Pantai Remis Jaya Pantai Remis 34900, Perak 012-2946689 Chuah Sze Ping 37, Jalan Kubah U8/62, Sec. U8 Bukit Jelutong, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor 0163285678 athsb@tm.net.my Chia Gek Siang No 42, Jalan Sungai Keladi 2, off Jalan Kem 42000 Pelabohan Klang, Selangor DE 012-3353160
9

FULL MEMBERS
Lucy Gabriel Pusin Semongok Fisheries Centre Batu 9, Jalan Kuching Serian 93250 Kuching, Sarawak 0138166581 lucygp@sarawak.net.gov.my

The differences between full and associate membership

Full members are individuals who are or have been engaged in fisheries activities and who either possess appropriate academic qualification or because of knowledge and experience occupy positions that ordinary would in the opinion of the council require academic qualifications. Associate members are individuals who are interested in the objectives of the society, but who do no qualify for full membership. Full, associate and student members are entitled to all the privileges of the Society except that associate and student members are not eligible to serve on the council. Full and associate members are entitled to one vote each with the exception of student members.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Editor, The letter which you published on 1st February about the ornamental fish trade quite rightly describes the damage to coral reefs due to the use of cyanide intended to stun marine fish for collection and sale. We should be proud of the fact that Malaysia forbids the export of any marine fish, in contrast to the Philippines, Indonesia and Singapore. Unless it is proposed to ban all fish-keeping completely we should surely then be trying to encourage the production of freshwater fish, in order to satisfy the worldwide demand for aquarium fish. Of course this must be done under properly controlled conditions and responsible exporters are already in close contact with the Fisheries Department to maintain standards. The business of breeding ornamental fish for export is exactly in line with the government's objective of increasing production from the rural areas. It also provides employment for many graduates of local universities whose job it is to ensure the health and good condition of those fish which are exported. Some companies which have started up with no such standards are already out of business. Singapore is the world's largest exporter of tropical fish but most of these have been bred in Malaysia. In recent years Malaysian exporters have taken a larger share of the market but they also have to compete with Thailand, Indonesia and other Asian countries, with lower costs. The fact that they have done so successfully bears tribute to the high standards maintained. The letter mentions the 'natural habitat' of fish as if it were some sort of heaven. A fish born in the wild has, statistically, a very small chance of reaching maturity due to its natural enemies as well as human fishermen. One bred for the aquarium trade will have no such enemies, but will be provided with the right food, the right temperature, clean water, medical treatment and anything else possible to ensure its survival. It is true that it may be uncomfortable for a few hours in transit, but all those involved have every reason to look after the fish they are paying for. If, in my next life, I am reborn as a Malaysian fish I pray that it will not be in some jungle stream, or as an edible fish which will end up in the frying pan. Instead, I would hope to be an aquarium fish and live a life of luxury with constant loving care and everything provided, even female 'tankmates'! Richard Jones Apt. M.G 6, No.1, Persiaran Gurney 10250, Penang (phone 042265408)

Dear Sir, I was so impressed by the set of speakers that attended the last aqua feed seminar the MFS held (ASIAN AQUAFEEDS 2005: Charting New Strategies for Sustainable Development of the Asian Aquaculture Feed Industry was held on 12 13 April 2005 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia organized by the Malaysian Fisheries Society) and it is so painful I didn't know about it until it was over. Could you kindly keep me posted when the next one will be. I shall be happy if this mail is acknowledged and a response sent to me. Kindly allow me use this opportunity to ask if you are aware of any similar nutrition courses elsewhere. I am a lecturer in the Department of Marine Sciences, University of Lagos, Nigeria. Yours faithfully, Dr A Z Aderolu

10

Corporate Profile: A-Class Fish Farm Sdn Bhd

Panaromic view of the A-Class Fish Farm in Raub, Pahang

Malaysian freshwater fishes are highly sought after for both their food and ornamental value. They have traditionally been sourced from their natural habitats and the declining supplies have led to increased prices in recent years. Seeing this demand as a potentially lucrative business, A-Class Fish Farm was established for the breeding, nursing and also production of indigenous riverine fishes. A-Class Fish Farm was established in 2000, for the purpose of supplying ornamental fishes. In 2002, an 18-acre farm was established in Raub, Pahang as its production base. The focus was shifted to local indigenous fishes including the Ikan Kelah (Tor tambra), Temoleh (Probarbus jullieni), Patin (Pangasius pangasius), Tengalan (Puntius bulu), Jelawat (Leptobarbus hoeveni), Kerai (Puntius daruphani) and also the Sebarau (Hampala macrolepidota). The mainstay of A-Class is the Kelah which dominates the production from the farm. Since 2003, there has been more than 100,000 fishes produced, making it easily the single largest Kelah farm in Malaysia. For 2005 more than 70,000 tails have been sold. Apart from Kelah, the farm also produces the Temoleh. As for Kelah, fish fry and fingerlings are sourced from various suppliers in the country and nursed

Metallic-blue variety of Kelah found at the farm (left) and the signboard at the farm (above) in Raub where the fishes are nursed

on a balanced commercial fish diet to larger sizes before they are sold. The fish fry achieve survival of more than 90% in the farm, which is much better than would be expected of the fishes if they were in the wild. Temoleh are much faster growers than Kelah, being able to reach sizes of 2 kgs (25 inches) within the first year as compared to only 600 grams (15 inches). The farm production facility consists of more than 60 concrete tanks and everal earthen ponds. The concrete tanks range in size from 200 ft2 (10 x 20) to 3500 ft2 (50 x 70) while the earthen ponds range from 0.5 acres to 2 acres. Water is pumped from the Liang River which flows adjacent to the farm. Additionally, there are also numerous indoor glass aquaria used for holding the fishes for display and also quarantine. Fishes sold from the farm rages from 3 inches upwards and is targeted mainly for the aquarium fish market. The fishes produced are currently sold in the local market mainly as ornamental fish. The buyers include major fish exporters such as Guan Guan (Qian Hu), Xian Leng, San Sui and Aquatics International. A-Class has plans on expanding its market overseas to countries like Singapore, Thailand and also China. Increasing demand for the fishes has led A-Class to look for alternative sites to expand its production that will include other fishes. Fishes coming into the farm are subjected to grading and screening for parasites, and also treated with dip bath for elimination of microbial pathogens. Fishes are graded at regular intervals to ensure good growth and efficient utilization of facilities. Customers prefer to buy the fishes from A-Class because of the quality and uniformity of the fishes, and also the reliability of supply.

The farm owner, James Wong with a bag of Temoleh from the farm.

11

PUBLICATIONS

Members Kings of the Rivers: Mahseer in Malaysia and the Region Author: Ng Chee Kiat Tropical Marine Environment: Charting Strategies for the Millennium Edited by: F.M. Yusoff, M. Shariff, H.M. Ibrahim, S.G. Tan & S.Y. Tai Aquatic Resources & Environmental Studies of the Straits of Malacca Edited by: B. Japar Sidik, A Arshad, S.G. Tan, S.K. Daud, H.A. Jambari & S. Sugiyama Aquaculture Practices in Malaysia Edited by: Gopinath Nagaraj & Tarlochan Singh Advances in Seed Production Technologies Edited by: Siti Shapor Siraj & Thalathiah Saidin Fish/Shrimp Nutrition and Feed Technology (Out of print) Edited by Ng Chee Kiat & Abdullah Abd. Rahman Fish Industry: Prospects and Challenges Edited by: Khusairi Mohd, Nor Fatimad, Mohd. Arshad & Abdullah Abu Bakar New Commodities in Malaysian Aquaculture. Edited by F.M. Yusoff and M. Shariff Freshwater Game Fishes of Malaysia Poster1 150 100 50 50 20 10 10 25 20

Non-Members 180 120 70 75 35 15 15 30 25

All publications can be ordered from: Malaysian Fisheries Society Aquatic Animal Health Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. Tel/Fax: (603)-8948 8246 E-mail: annie@putra.upm.edu.my , myfisoc@time.net.my and anniechr@yahoo.com Website: www.vet.upm.edu.my/~mfs/

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