Although it is one of the most extensively farmed marine bony fishes on earth, the milkfish (Chanos chanos) remains one of the least known and understood of the major finfish species. This book provides as complete a summary as possible of current knowledge (through December 1985) of milkfish and the milkfish industry. A compilation of chapters written by milkfish experts, the book opens with a chapter on milkfish biology, summarizing what is known about milkfish in the wild and discussing topics not covered elsewhere in the book. Chapters on genetic variation within the species and on reproduction follow. Succeeding chapters describe the traditional milkfish industry, from fry capture, distribution, and rearing through growth of the fish to market size. Detailed descriptions are given of culture practices in different countries, aspects of pond design and management, nutrition, and common diseases. The final chapter considers the economics of milkfish farming. A concluding summary highlights points integral to the previous chapters and indicates important directions for both near- and long-term future research. References are provided with each chapter. (Author abstract, modified).