Flounder aquaculture beginning to settle in
Along with the turbot, (Scophthalmus maximus), the hirame (Paralichthys olivaceus) was introduced to Chile through government funding with the intention of determining its aquaculture potential, along with the investigation of the fine flounder (Paralichthys adspersus) native to Chile. Since the year 2000 turbot farming has continued to do well and the company Seafood Resources Chile S.A. is the leading commercial supplier. According to the Llanquihue, the pilot project for hirame (also known as bastard halibut) led by Fundación Chile shows that the fish acclimate well to land based sea-water recirculation systems and to the pelletized feed. The most attractive characteristic of this species besides it high market price in Japan and the United States (a favorite for sushi restaurants), is its growth cycle to harvest. The fish is faster growing than salmon and reaches harvest weight within 18 to 20 months. The average water temperatures in northern Chile are ideal for the species, which ranges from 18º to 21º C.
