A freshwater fish endemic and native to the temperate water of Australia is now undergoing field trials in Dagupan City under the watchful eyes of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
Under study at the Dagupan-based National Integrated Fisheries Technology Development Center (NIFTDC) since 2000, is the Australian silver perch (Bidyanus bidyanus), a member of the Terapontidae family.
Dr. Westly Rosario, NIFTDC chief, and researcher Editha Roxas said studies on silver perch started with few stocks donated to the center by a private company.
The fish was first cultured in concrete tanks, then in earthen ponds for the growing out trials with other species like tilapia, catfish and common carps.
Latest report stated the progenies produced by the researchers from the few initial stocks are now being developed into breeders that will lay eggs and when they will mature into fingerlings would be dispersal in inland bodies of water soon.
If the research proves successful, silver perch will be introduced in many fish farms as part of the strategy of the BFAR to produce more protein food in the Filipino dining table and fight hunger.
Growing from 2.5 to 8 kilograms apiece, silver perch is highly regarded as the sleeping giant of world aquaculture, belonging to the low-tropic level in the food chain, similar to milkfish (bangus).
Silver fish is an excellent edible fish. The flesh is white with less bones, which makes it ideal for processing. - pna
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