Testing technological approaches to minimise cannibalism losses during the rearing of zander fry / MINIKANZA 

While suitable for aquaculture, zander (pikeperch) is a species with a strong tendency towards cannibalism in the size range of around 12–45 mm. There is now considerable demand across Europe for zander adapted to a dry feed diet, which cannot be met. Insufficient availability of fry is hampering the expansion of zander aquaculture. The primary issue is the lack of ways to organise the rearing of young zander efficiently and cost-effectively. The extreme mortality rates among larvae and fry result in very high costs for dry-feed-adapted zander fingerlings. As part of the long-term research into zander reproduction and fry rearing at the IfB, potential for optimisation has been identified in the following aspects of rearing technology: temperature regimes, lighting regimes, stocking density and hatching management. However, a scientifically sound assessment of their systematic effects on rearing success has not yet been carried out due to the high technological and staffing requirements involved, and is to be undertaken as part of this project.

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