New breed of fresh fish farmed in Singapore

Diners in Singapore can soon try out a new breed of locally-farmed fish.

Cobia, a long slim marine fish found in the region, is being harvested for the first time by a fish farm here for local consumption.

The oily white-fleshed fish, with brownish grey back and silvery stripes on its side, is 'less fishy' in taste than the popular snakehead.

It will first be introduced to restaurants at 'a promotional rate.'

Currently, the fish is flown in frozen from Vietnam, and sold at about $45 per kg in supermarkets, according to the Agri-food and Veterinary Authority.

The fish was first cultured in 2005 by the AVA's Marine Aquaculture Centre on St John's Island, and sold cheaply to Changi Fishery last year.

The farm's owner Ms Rosemary Lau said the fish is not only tasty but will make a popular choice for fish farmers.

"It grows very fast, reaching full size within eight months and all the neighbouring fish farms are excited," she said.

The culture of new fish species for local farms to grow for public consumption is not new to AVA.

Last year, the super sea-bass, a genetically modified version of the popular fish, was introduced to the market.

The government agency expects to add locally cultured red snappers to the list next.