From wild-caught European whitefish, the scientists produced over 3,000 fish, which have grown to around 400 grams within one year.
"With a survival rate of about 95%, the fry, which are produced from European whitefish (Coregunus lavaretus) caught Finnmark, confirmed that this is a farmed fish for the future", says Scientist Sten Siikavuopio.
The growth test took place at Tromsø Aquaculture Research Station. The cod larva feed Aglonorse, developed by Fiskeriforskning, has also proven to be very suitable for feeding of European whitefish fry.
The research confirms that European whitefish has all the desirable properties of a good, farmed fish: It grows fast, utilises the feed extremely well and thrives with high stocking density. Late sexual maturity is also a good criterion for faster growth and good quality, which will be very important for profitability in the industry, says Siikavuopio.
Finland has farmed European whitefish since 1995 and now farms over 1,000 tonnes per year with a price of roughly 55 NOK/kg for fish around 700 grams. The salmonid European whitefish is considered a very good and appealing edible fish, and cannot be confused with other salmonids (Arctic charr, salmon, trout) because the meat is white and has a more neutral taste.
