Identification of areas with adequate temperature for the culture of cobia in cages along the Brazilian coast

Abstract

This study identified regions of the Brazilian coast that present more adequate temperature conditions for the cage culture of cobia (Rachycentron canadum). A survey of sea surface temperatures (SST) along the coast (up to the 200 m isobath) used data from the Aqua/NASA satellite. Water temperature classes that affect the development of cobia and may lead to changes in physiological activities, especially related to feed intake, growth, and mortality, were established, according to the literature. Cobia is able to grow at temperatures between 19 and 32 ºC, but the range considered optimum for growth was 27–29 ºC. The coastal area stretching from eastern Pará to the north of Bahia was considered to have the most suitable temperature conditions for commercial aquaculture of cobia. The coastline encompassing the state of Amapá to the west of Pará, and the whole coast of the southeast region presented SSTs above or below the range considered optimum for the growth of cobia, respectively. In the southern coast of Brazil, the commercial farming of cobia may not be feasible due to the low SST during most of the year.