MARINE BAITFISH

Range: Found worldwide in tropical and subtropical marine waters. In the western
Atlantic it ranges from Nova Scotia to the Gulf of Mexico, and south through
the Caribbean to Brazil.
Habitat: Goggle-eye are found in small to large schools, mainly inshore or in
shallow water around inlets, occasionally in bays and river mouths, and at
times over shallow reefs, although they have been reported to depths of 560
feet (170 m). They prefer clean, clear insular waters, but occasionally can be
found in turbid waters. Goggle-eye are mainly nocturnal, feeding primarily on
planktonic or benthic invertebrates, including shrimps and crabs.
Size: Average 9 inches (23 cm ), maximum 12 inches (30 cm)
Bait use: Usually caught at night with light tackle. Goggle-eye are a favorite choice
for offshore anglers fishing pelagic species, such as billfish, king mackerel, and
wahoo.
Aquaculture potential: Goggle-eye is a very promising species for aquaculture
and have high market demand and value. Goggle-eye exhibit volitional
spawning, averaging 30,000 eggs/female per spawning event (range from 5,000
to 125,000). Fertilized eggs average 670 µm in diameter and have an average
hatch rate of 71%. Eggs hatch in less than 18 hours, and the newly hatched
larvae are 0.1 inch (2.4 mm) in length. The larvae exhibit rapid development
and are able to consume rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis) at first feeding 2 days
post hatch. Greenwater techniques for larviculture using microalgae (Isochrysis
galbana and Nannochlopsis oculata) at total concentrations of 400,000 cells/mL
and rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis) at densities of 30 to 50 rotifers/mL resulted
in an average length of 1.5 inches (38.8 mm) and average weight of 1.3 g 45
days post hatch at which time the fingerlings were fully weaned. In the same
study, growout trials for three months resulted in an average survival rate of
88%, final weight 28.2–30.3 g, and feed conversion ratio 1.17–1.38. These
results confirm that goggle-eye aquaculture is technically feasible and suggests
that the species is a strong candidate for commercialization.
Suggested reading
Hoenig, R.H., A.W. Welch, J.D. Stieglitz, D.D. Benetti, and B. Sardenberg. 2010. Identification and
development of new aquaculture products: Goggle-eye Selar crumenophthalmus a high-value
marine baitfish in Florida. Page 619 in: Book of Abstracts, Aquaculture 2010. World Aquaculture
Society, Baton Rouge, Louisiana USA.
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