The broodstock can be obtained either from the broodstock pond, cage or natural ground. The natural stock can be obtained during its spawning season by gillnet. In the Penang area (Fig. 1) the spawning season of seabass is from March to June.
The broodstock also can be reared from fry spawned in hatchery. The fish will be selected for healthy and fast-growing specimens, ideal as broodstock. After the second year, the difference in sex of the male and female can be observed, but the fish should not be separated at this stage. The broodfish are ready for hatchery use at the end of their third year when the female attains about 3.5 kg in weight. Approximately one month before the spawning season, the broodstock can be transferred from cages into the spawning tanks.
