POTENTIAL OF COBIA (Rachycentron Canadum) IN MALAYSIA: A REVIEW

Abstract

The Rachycentron canadum, more often referred to as the Cobia, is a pelagic fish that migrates and is found in tropical and subtropical oceans. This species, belonging to the Perciformes order, has been commercially farmed since the late 1990s due to its fast growth rate, high-quality meat, and tolerance to temperature and salinity fluctuations. The majority of commercial manufacturing takes place in China and Taiwan, with China being the primary location. R. canadum is a highly migratory species, often associated with structures like buoys, oil rigs, and shipwrecks for shelter and prey. Its high nutritional value, including 18% to 21% protein content, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus, contributes to its ecological role as both predator and prey in marine ecosystems. Commercialization opportunities for R. canadum include rapid development and high-quality white flesh, with operations in the Americas, Vietnam, Thailand, the USA, Australia, and other regions. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) does not categorize the R. canadum as vulnerable or endangered, but it is classified as a species of least concern.