Siganid are coral fishes known in various Philippines dialects as “dangit” “kuvog” “ngisi-ngisi” (Visayan), “padas," “yomoyubyub" (Ilocano), “kuyog” (Tagalog), “padas,” and “barangen” (Pangasinan).
“Barangen” is the local name of the marketable-sized “padas” (siganid fry). It is very common and abundant in the coastal waters of Western Pangasinan. It is sold in the market the whole year ranging in length from 83 to 200 mm. It is often caught with spears and by fish corrals.
The prospect of siganid fry cultivation is bright because of their abundance in certain seasons of the year. Since time immemorial, this larval fish has been utilized as food.
Scientific studies about “padas” are still meager, hence, the decision to undertake the present experiment on the rate of growth of “padas” in confinement. The experiment was conducted from September 1960 to April 1961 while the author was still holding the position of Junior Fishery Technician. The experiment is expected to show fish farmers that “padas” could be cultivated as a major crop in marine and brackishwater ponds.
The “padas” are caught from the fry grounds with the following measurements: 30.0 mm in length, 7.6 mm in body depth and 34 gram in weight. They are pale white and transparent with few melanophores over the head, body and tail regions; the eyes are dark and prominent contrasting distinctly with the color of the body.