Research at
Several aspects of the eel's husbandry were investigated and it was found that:
v Weaning of glass eels to a formulated diet is best performed using fish roe as an initial diet, progressively replaced by crumble over at least 2 weeks.
v Culture of elvers is best performed in tanks on flow through or recirculation, in dark conditions, minimal current and generous oxygen supply.
v Tank–based elver culture should be applied until elvers reach 5 to 10g before transfer to ponds.
v Densities of no less than 60kg/m³ are recommended for uniform growth of elvers in tanks.
v Handling of elvers should be minimised and always followed by salt bathing to reduce risk of health problems and disease.
v Shelter appears to be important in maximising growth and survival of elvers in tanks.
v Pond growth of eels is more uniform at densities above 50kg/m³.
v Growth of pond cultured eels is variable, and may be broadly represented by the following statistics - 10% achieve 100g+ within 6 months, 25% achieve 100g + within 12 months, 30% achieve 100g+ within 18 months, 30% are very slow growing.
v Water temperature of 27° C to 30° C is optimal for growth of longfin eels.
Funded by Fisheries Research & Development Council (FRDC) and Australian Research Council (ARC) (2001 Strategic Partnerships with Industry - Research & Training (SPIRT) Scheme), the project was initiated at a time of strong interest from
The project formed part of a broader initiative to investigate adult eel populations, glass eel resources and aquaculture technologies for both shortfin (Anguilla australis) and longfin eels (Anguilla reinhardtii) and along the east coast of
[Source: Queensland Government Dept of Primary Industries and Fisheries.]
