Meagre - North Africa

The Meagre, also known as croaker, is a large, fast-growing marine fish native to the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, including the coastal waters of Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Algeria. In recent years, it has become a key species in marine aquaculture in North Africa due to its rapid growth (reaching over 2 kg in under 2 years), high-quality white flesh, and market value as a premium alternative to sea bass and sea bream

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Learn more about Meagre - North Africa

All feed formulas developed by Aller Aqua at the Aller Aqua Research Centre follow these requirements to ensure proper growth and health:

  • Protein Needs:

Juveniles: 48–52% crude protein

Grow-out stage: 42–48% protein

  • Fat and Energy Needs:

Fat: 12–18%, typically from fish oil or sustainable alternatives

Digestible energy: ~19–22 MJ/kg

  • Essential Nutrients:

Amino acids: Lysine, methionine, taurine (important in diets with lower fishmeal)

Vitamins: A, D3, E, and B-complex for immune and growth functions

Minerals: Phosphorus, calcium, selenium, magnesium, zinc

The range of solutions developed by Aller Aqua is suitable for each stage of the fish lifecycle as well as systems Used in North Africa:

Sea cages in the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts (e.g., off Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt)

Some land-based tanks and raceways for hatchery and juvenile phases

Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) occasionally explored

  • Environmental Preferences:

Temperature: Optimal growth at 18–24°C

Salinity: 30–38 ppt (marine conditions)

Oxygen: Requires good water oxygenation (>5 mg/L)

  • Lifecycle & Stocking:

Hatcheries manage complex spawning, often using hormonal induction

Juveniles transferred to cages at 5–15 g

Stocking densities in cages: ~15–30 kg/m³

  • Feeding Practices:

2–3 times daily depending on temperature and appetite

Feed management and underwater cameras used in intensive systems

Better growth performance in temperature-stable waters

  • Harvest:

Market size: 1.5–3 kg in 18–24 months

Larger fish (up to 7–10 kg) can be produced for premium markets

A carefully selected composition of raw materials and verified feed formulas ensure that the fish is rich in minerals and vitamins, and at the same time that the texture of meat is of the highest quality. We make sure that fish grown using solutions provided by Aller Aqua offer the following benefits:

  • Nutritional Value:

High in lean, firm white flesh

Rich in protein (20–22 g per 100 g)

Good source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and selenium

Culinary Use: Delicate, mild flavor; suitable for grilling, baking, steaming, and sashimi in high-end cuisine

Meagre from aquaculture is traceable, low in mercury, and raised under controlled veterinary supervision. North African farms often meet export standards for the EU and Gulf markets. It is a low-carbon footprint species when raised in efficient cage systems, which supports employment and rural development along coastal regions. It also reduces pressure on wild populations of similar demersal predators.