Aquafeed Development and Outputs of Taiwan

Taiwan aquaculture species

Shrimp

Since 1984, HANAQUA has successively launched specialized shrimp feeds and exported white shrimp farming technology to countries such as India. Shrimp are highly popular in the Taiwanese market and remain in short supply, requiring imports from abroad every year to meet demand.

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Detailed Introduction

• White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

• Black Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon)

• Shrimp are known for their delicate flavor, low fat content, and high-quality protein, making them a favorite among Taiwanese consumers. However, domestic aquaculture production has never met local demand, and Taiwan continues to rely on shrimp imports to fill the gap.

• In the early years, black tiger shrimp were caught along the coast. During late autumn, fishermen planted aquatic grasses at the confluence of water currents to provide shelter for shrimp larvae, commonly known as “red muscle shrimp” (hong-jin-a). In 1968, Dr. Liao I-Chiu successfully conducted the first artificial breeding experiment for shrimp larvae, marking a major breakthrough in shrimp hatchery technology. Because of his pioneering work, Dr. Liao is respectfully known as the “Father of the Black Tiger Shrimp.”

• In 1973, to promote the use of artificially bred shrimp larvae, hatchery operators began supplying them freely for trial farming. This initiative paved the way for the large-scale commercial production of cultured shrimp.

• By 1975, Taiwan’s shrimp hatchery industry was booming. The demand for coastal broodstock outstripped supply, and Taiwan earned the title of “Kingdom of the Black Tiger Shrimp.” However, industrial pollution and viral infections soon rendered local broodstock unfit for breeding. Hatchery operators began importing broodstock shrimp—mainly from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. Around 1979, a single female black tiger shrimp cost about NT$100,000. By 1981, the increase in imports caused the price to plummet to NT$40,000. The lack of coordination between traders and shrimp farmers led to market instability, and the traditional auction system was replaced by airport-side transactions.

• In 1984, the Kaohsiung Shrimp Breeders Association was officially established, with Mr. Wu Hsin-Hsing serving as its first chairman. Under the association’s leadership, Taiwan’s shrimp industry gradually stabilized and entered a golden era. During this period, black tiger shrimp farming drove the nation’s aquaculture industry into an unprecedented boom.

• However, the prosperity was short-lived. Overstocking and poor management practices led to environmental degradation, and by 1988, viral outbreaks devastated the black tiger shrimp industry.

• In 1994, white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) were officially introduced to Taiwan. Their strong environmental tolerance, disease resistance, and wide salinity adaptability allowed farmers to maintain yields even under viral infection, typically around 5% survival. Nevertheless, due to the previous overuse of environmental resources, the risks of monoculture became increasingly evident. Farmers began shifting toward polyculture systems, paying greater attention to environmental sustainability, ecological balance, and food safety.

Tilapia

（Oreochromis niloticus）

In 1984, HANAQUA launched specialized feed for Taiwan tilapia and later participated in the establishment of the Taiwan Tilapia Association in 2002. The company has made significant contributions to the international marketing of Taiwan tilapia and has achieved remarkable success in the processing and export of tilapia fillets to the United States.

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Detailed Introduction

• Tilapia（Oreochromis niloticus）

• Around 1981, most of the tilapia available in traditional markets were hybrid varieties commonly known as “Fu-shou fish.” By the 1980s, however, all-male “monosex tilapia” began to appear on the market.
• In the early years, tilapia were often farmed through integrated agricultural systems that combined crop, livestock, and aquaculture production. This practice led to a negative consumer perception that tilapia were raised on animal manure such as pig, chicken, or duck waste. Combined with the rise of marine aquaculture, the introduction of imported species, and shifting consumer preferences toward novelty and premium seafood, tilapia gradually became viewed as an inferior species in the domestic market. Moreover, due to the lack of governmental attention and guidance, tilapia prices remained depressed for a long time.
• Fortunately, the Taiwan Tilapia Association was established in 2002. Through the dedicated efforts of industry partners, Taiwan’s tilapia gradually gained recognition in international markets. To establish a distinct, high-quality aquaculture brand for Taiwan, the industry worked tirelessly to improve every aspect of production—from breeding and grow-out techniques to feed formulation and processing technology. After multiple refinements, a superior strain of tilapia was successfully developed and officially named “Taiwan Tilapia.”
• With this new identity, Taiwan Tilapia has entered the global market and is expected to create a new era and opportunity for Taiwan’s aquaculture industry.

Barramundi（Lates calcarifer）

In 1985, HANAQUA developed formulated feed specifically for barramundi, which now accounts for about one-quarter of the total market share in Taiwan. The company also established a set of 17 standardized processing and quality inspection procedures, along with data-based specifications for portion cutting and yield ratios. In addition, HANAQUA has participated in the breeding and selection programs conducted by the Fisheries Research Institute, contributing to the improvement of barramundi seed stock quality.

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Detailed Introduction

• Barramundi (Lates calcarifer）
• The barramundi is easily recognized by its distinctly arched back and golden-red reflective pupils, which shine brilliantly when illuminated at night—hence its Chinese name, meaning “golden-eyed sea bass.”
• The flesh is delicate and tender, and nutritionists regard barramundi as a fish rich in collagen and essential trace minerals. It also contains three types of gastric proteases and two pancreatic proteases, which promote efficient digestion and nutrient absorption, making it ideal for postoperative recovery, general wellness, and skin nourishment.
  Barramundi can grow up to 100 cm in length and is known for its fast growth and strong disease resistance. In Taiwan, fingerlings stocked in April can reach a market size of 400–600 g by October. With HANAQUA’s specialized barramundi feed, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) under standard farming conditions ranges from 1.1 to 1.2, and the fillet yield is about 40%, demonstrating exceptional feed efficiency. These qualities have made barramundi one of the most profitable aquaculture species in southwestern Taiwan.
• From 1990 to 1998, Taiwan’s barramundi production was the highest in the world, exceeding domestic demand. Since 2002, exports have expanded, ranking Taiwan second globally in production. As of October 2019, the total farming area in Taiwan had grown to 757 hectares. With stable local fry production and advanced farming, processing, and management techniques, Taiwan’s barramundi industry is now highly developed and internationally competitive.

Grouper（Epinephelus lanceolatus）

In 1997, HANAQUA launched specialized formulated feed for grouper. Traditionally, grouper farming required large quantities of trash fish as feed, which often led to issues such as heavy metal residues and marine resource depletion. By adopting HANAQUA’s high-efficiency formulated feed, farmers can effectively reduce environmental impact, eliminate contamination risks, and maintain consistent meat quality and texture control throughout the production process.

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Detailed Introduction

• Grouper（Epinephelus lanceolatus）
• There are more than a hundred species of grouper, with over thirty commonly seen varieties. In the Gazetteer of Nanao compiled during the Qianlong era, grouper was described as “a round-headed fish of many colors,” giving rise to its local name “guo fish.” Grouper are marine species that inhabit subtropical coral reefs, making them well-suited to Taiwan’s climate. Their tender, gelatinous, and odorless flesh gives them exceptional culinary appeal, establishing grouper as a high-value species recognized worldwide.
• Taiwan began culturing grouper at an early stage, and in 1995, the Fisheries Research Institute, in collaboration with the Longdian Aquaculture Farm in Fangliao, became the first in the world to successfully achieve artificial breeding of giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus). This breakthrough earned Taiwan the reputation of being the “Kingdom of Grouper.”
• In 1997, HANAQUA launched its specialized formulated feed for grouper. Under strong policy support, the grouper industry reached its peak in 2012, achieving an output value of NT$7.2 billion, demonstrating Taiwan’s excellence in grouper farming technology. However, the industry later faced challenges from supply-demand imbalance and price collapse due to large-scale production in China, where prices fell from NT$260 to NT$170 per kilogram. As a result, many farmers shifted to other species, and the farming area was reduced to less than half its original size. Today, the most commonly farmed varieties in Taiwan are the giant grouper and dragon-tiger grouper, which have longer culture periods but more stable prices compared to species such as the leopard coral grouper.
• From the perspective of environmental protection and food safety, grouper—being a top predator in the marine food chain—traditionally requires large quantities of trash fish as feed, which imposes a heavy burden on both marine ecosystems and the economy. Moreover, feeding wild-caught fish can result in heavy metal accumulation, similar to that found in wild species.
• By using HANAQUA’s scientifically formulated feeds, raw materials can be strictly controlled to reduce overfishing and heavy metal contamination, while enhancing growth efficiency and meat quality. This approach effectively minimizes food chain consumption, supports sustainable aquaculture, and helps preserve marine resources.

Milkfish (Chanos chanos)

In 1989, HANAQUA introduced specialized feed for milkfish. As aquaculture practices gradually shifted toward eco-friendly polyculture systems, HANAQUA developed mixed feed for fish and shrimp in 2019, which has been shown to improve shrimp survival and growth rates in integrated farming systems.

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Detailed Introduction

• Milkfish (Chanos chanos)
• Milkfish has a long history as a food fish in Taiwan. According to local tradition, when Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga) landed at Luermen, local residents presented this fish as a tribute. When Zheng asked, “What fish is this?” the name eventually evolved into “Shī Mù Yú” (Milkfish).
• Known as “Taiwan’s number one fish,” milkfish has been cultivated for over 300 years. It is easy to domesticate and has earned the nickname “the common people’s emperor fish.” Tainan is its primary farming region, with a cultured area of approximately 8,000 hectares, producing about 60,000 tons annually, valued at around NT$4 billion. Milkfish also plays an important role in polyculture systems, often helping to control filamentous algae in ponds.
  HANAQUA introduced specialized milkfish feed in 1989 and has continually refined its formulations to maximize farmers’ yields. With changing environmental conditions and market price dynamics, integrating benthic shrimp as an additional income source has become mainstream. In traditional polyculture systems, white shrimp survival rates are typically only 2–3%. In response, HANAQUA launched “fish-shrimp polyculture feed” in 2019, which meets the nutritional requirements and feeding behaviors of both species, effectively increasing shrimp survival rates to around 5%, directly generating higher income for farmers.
• Milkfish are not only stable in production and affordable, but also an excellent source of protein, with 87–98% digestibility. They are rich in free amino acids such as histidine and taurine, which have antioxidant functions, as well as abundant vitamins and minerals. Milkfish also contain higher levels of EPA and DHA than eel, providing benefits for cardiovascular health, brain function, and vision. Truly, the title “common people’s emperor fish” is well deserved.

Clam (Meretrix lusoria)

HANAQUA collaborated with the Fisheries Research Institute to develop formulated feed for clams, designed to address challenges such as unstable algal populations and insufficient natural food sources. In 2009, HANAQUA launched the clam supplemental feed, providing effective nutritional support for aquaculture operations.

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Detailed Introduction

• Clam (Meretrix lusoria)
• Clams are a popular and widely consumed ingredient in Taiwan, earning reputations such as “the freshest in the world” and “the best of a hundred varieties.” They are not only flavorful but also high in protein, low in calories, and rich in vitamins and minerals, making them an ideal food for preventing chronic diseases in middle-aged and elderly populations.
• According to 2018 fisheries statistics, clam production in Taiwan was approximately 50,000–60,000 tons, ranking third among cultured species, following tilapia and milkfish. The industry’s output value was around NT$4 billion, making it the second-highest in inland aquaculture. Clams account for over 23% of Taiwan’s total aquaculture area, highlighting their importance as a cultured species.
• Clam farming requires relatively low technical skill and capital investment compared to other species, making them a common choice for ecological polyculture systems. With a benefit-to-cost ratio of around 1.1, traditional farming methods have been widely used. According to statistics from the Fisheries Agency, between 2011 and 2019, the farming area increased from 6,000 to 8,000 hectares, yet stocking density remained largely unchanged. Market prices have risen from NT$59/kg to over NT$100/kg.
• In recent years, the use of probiotics to improve water quality has reduced the growth cycle from 15 months to 10 months, demonstrating the potential of modern techniques. HANAQUA believes that through supplemental feed innovations and scientific farm management, the clam industry has significant room for further advancement and efficiency gains.

Threadfin（Eleutheronema rhadinum）

HIn 2003, HANAQUA launched specialized feed for threadfin. With its delicate flesh and few bones, threadfin is highly favored by seafood enthusiasts. In recent years, it has even been exported to China, making it a popular choice among aquaculture farmers.

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Detailed Introduction

• Threadfin（Eleutheronema rhadinum）

• The threadfin, also known as four-stripe threadfin, is characterized by its four filament-like pectoral fins. Its flesh is tender and rich in oil, making it especially popular in Hong Kong and Macau. Traditional sayings reflect its high culinary ranking, such as:

  “First, threadfin; second, mullet; third, red seabream”
  “First, threadfin; second, pomfret; third, spotted spanish mackerel”
  “First, threadfin; second, red snapper; third, silver pomfret”

• Despite regional differences in taste preferences, threadfin consistently holds the top position, highlighting its widespread recognition for flavor and quality.

• In 1994, Mr. Huang Ming-Chung, a fry producer from Pingtung, introduced threadfin fry from Singapore, becoming the first to successfully breed threadfin in Taiwan.

• With its delicate flesh and few bones, threadfin is highly favored by seafood enthusiasts. In recent years, it has even been exported to China, becoming a new favorite among aquaculture farmers. However, threadfin are sensitive to cold, so farms are concentrated in the Kaohsiung–Pingtung region, particularly in warm Pingtung, which accounts for about 80% of Taiwan’s threadfin farming area.

• According to the Fisheries Agency, in 2018 threadfin farming was distributed across Pingtung, Kaohsiung, Tainan, Chiayi, and Kinmen, with Pingtung alone accounting for 79.82%. Threadfin cannot survive water temperatures below 14 °C, but Pingtung rarely experiences extreme cold, making it an ideal environment. Fry are usually stocked in March–April, and harvest occurs before cold snaps around the Mid-Autumn Festival.

• Facing international competition, Taiwanese farmers recognize that global aquaculture certification is both a challenge and a future direction. By cultivating threadfin with environmentally sustainable methods and ensuring high-quality products for consumers, this species has the potential to become the star of tomorrow’s aquaculture industry.

Snubnose pompano（Trachinotus blochii）

In northern Taiwan, this species is commonly known as “Golden Pomfret”, a popular fish during festive seasons, while in central and southern Taiwan it is referred to as “Red Pomfret”. It is one of the major marine aquaculture species in Taiwan, representing a significant economic resource for local fisheries.

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Detailed Introduction

• Snubnose pompano（Trachinotus blochii）
• In Taiwan, there are two varieties of pomfret, with the smaller variety, Bloch’s pomfret (Trachinotus blochii), primarily farmed in coastal ponds. This species is highly valued for its delicate, flavorful flesh, rapid growth, and strong adaptability. After years of aquaculture development, it has become one of Taiwan’s main marine economic fish species.
• When caught in the wild, the fish’s body surface reflects a reddish sheen, which is why it is called “Red Pomfret” in central and southern Taiwan, while northern markets refer to it as “Golden Pomfret.”