Mass Culture of Cephalopods in Thailand

Abstract

Cephalopod research in Thailand has been underway since 1978 with the goal of developing successful mass-culture techniques. Results of mass cultivation have demonstrated several favorable aquaculture characteristics of cephalopods, i.e., high growth rates, short life cycle, high fecundity, high hatching rate, and absence of true larval stages. Three species are being cultured: bigfin squid, Sepioteuthis lessoniana; spineless cuttlefish, Sepiella inermis; and pharaoh cuttlefish, Sepia pharaonis. They were listed in declining order of production and suitability for aquaculture. About 2 million cephalopod seed have been produced and released annually since 1990 to enhance natural stock. Biohistory, behavior and water quality requirements are also being studied in order to supply basic information for aquaculture. However, there are also several obstacles, particularly development of cost-effective feeds