World-Class Giant Trevally Breeding Technology by CMFRI Recognized Among Top 5 National Fisheries Inventions
Giant Trevally Seed Production Technology Revolutionizes Indian Mariculture
The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has developed an innovative seed production technology for the Giant trevally (Caranx ignobilis), a high-value marine fish, which has been recognized as one of India’s top five fisheries innovations by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 2025 [1][2][3][4].
A Breakthrough in Captive Breeding
The technology enables captive breeding and seed production of Giant trevally, a task previously difficult due to the species' preference for open waters and complex reproductive biology [1][2][4]. Developed primarily by scientists Ambarish P. Gop, Dr. M. Sakthivel, and Dr. B. Santhosh at CMFRI’s Vizhinjam Regional Centre, this hatchery technology allows controlled reproduction in captivity [1][2][4].
Standardized Farming Protocol with Pellet Feeds
The technology uses a standardized farming protocol with pellet feeds that supports rapid growth of the species in diverse marine and estuarine environments, such as cages, pens, and coastal ponds. It also tolerates a wide range of salinity and water quality [1][2][4].
Boosting Production and Profitability
Giant trevally is valued for its rapid growth rate and adaptability, growing to about 500g in 5 months and reaching approximately 1 kg by 8 months under the CMFRI protocol [1][3]. Compared to other mariculture candidates like pompanos, Giant trevally grows faster and survives in more variable water conditions, providing higher operational flexibility and profitability for farmers [1][2][4]. The market price for Giant trevally ranges from Rs 400 to Rs 700 per kg, reflecting its status as a high-value marine fish with strong consumer demand [1][2][3][4].
A Cornerstone for Sustainable Mariculture Practices
The innovation was unveiled during ICAR’s 97th Foundation Day by the Union Agriculture Minister, demonstrating official endorsement and plans for wider adoption [2][3][4]. CMFRI envisions this technology as a cornerstone for expanding sustainable mariculture practices in India, leveraging the Giant trevally’s traits to diversify and enhance marine fish farming [1][2]. Researchers anticipate that enhanced production through this technology will foster economic opportunities for coastal farmers and reinforce India’s position in the high-value seafood market [1][2][4].
In summary, CMFRI’s breakthrough hatchery technology for Giant trevally represents a significant advance in mariculture by enabling reliable seed production, promoting faster growth, and supporting sustainable, economically viable marine farming practices with positive implications for India’s seafood industry and coastal economy [1][2][4].
Moving forward, CMFRI now focuses on optimizing the breeding protocols to scale up the production efficiency of the Giant trevally. Additionally, the institute aims to refine the larval rearing protocols of the Giant trevally to further improve its production and profitability.
[1] India Today
[2] The Hindu
[3] The Times of India
[4] Business Standard
- The advancements in science, specifically the hatchery technology for Giant trevally developed by CMFRI, have made significant strides in the health-and-wellness sector by enabling sustainable mariculture practices.
- The integration of technology, such as pellet feeds and standardized farming protocols, in the fitness-and-exercise domain of marine fish farming has boosted production, profitability, and market value – providing a positive impact on the Indian seafood industry and coastal economy.
