CULTURE
Pampano
Golden pompano (Trachinotus blochii) is a tropical marine species from the Carangidae family, recognized for its shiny silver-golden body and long dorsal and anal fins. It is valued in aquaculture for its fast growth rate, strong disease resistance, and premium meat quality. It thrives in warm, brackish to marine environments. Its growing popularity in the Philippines is due to both its market demand and adaptability to various farming systems. The short-finned pompano cultivated by Santeh in its farms boasts a more buttery, delicate flesh and a milder, richer flavor compared to its long-finned counterpart.
Areas
Golden pompano is widely cultured in coastal provinces across the Philippines, particularly in Pangasinan, Palawan, Zambales, and parts of Mindanao. These areas provide ideal conditions for cage and pond culture, including clean water, stable salinity, and protection from harsh weather. The fish is typically raised in floating cages installed in bays and coves. Some operators are also exploring pond-based systems in brackish water zones.
Santeh operates a pioneering mariculture project in Silanguin Bay, Zambales, focusing on the sustainable cultivation of short-finned golden pompano. Utilizing 44 floating sea cages, each capable of yielding 3 to 4 tons of fish, the farm raises imported short-finned pompano fry with the goal of reducing fish imports and providing a healthier protein source for consumers.
Culture
Golden pompano is cultured using floating marine cages, where juveniles are stocked at appropriate densities to encourage uniform growth. Farmers feed the fish with high-protein commercial pellets such as Tateh Aquafeeds Marine Fish Diet, and monitor water quality parameters like temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen. Culture duration ranges from 4 to 6 months, depending on the target harvest size. Regular health checks and proper farm management practices are crucial to maintain high survival rates and minimize disease outbreaks.
