Healthy fish breeding technology
Pickled Beefsteak,Frozen Pickled Beefsteak,Seasoned Pickled Beef Cubes,Fillet Steak ZHOUSHAN JING YUAN FOOD CO.,LTD , https://www.genho-food.com
The squid, also known as osmanthus fish or seasonal flower fish, belongs to the genus Euphorbia, family Finidae, and is commonly referred to as eel. This species is highly valued for its tender meat, rich flavor, and high protein content, making it one of the most prized freshwater fish. Traditionally, commercial eels have been sourced from natural water bodies like rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. However, with rising living standards and increasing demand, wild populations can no longer meet market needs. As a result, healthy eel farming has emerged as a promising industry with significant growth potential.
**Biological Characteristics**
1.1 **Morphology**
Eels have a thick, fleshy body with a flat, laterally compressed shape. They possess a large mouth positioned at the front, with slightly tilted jawlines. The upper jaw extends beyond the eye, while the lower jaw features small teeth that develop into canine-like structures. On the side of the eye, there are 4–5 spines behind the front gill arch, and two flat spines on the back of the tail. Their scales are small and round, with long dorsal fins composed of both spiny and soft rays. The body color is yellow-green on the back and yellow-white on the belly, often marked with irregular brown spots and stripes.
1.2 **Habitat and Behavior**
These fish are typically found in clean, flowing waters such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. They prefer to hide in crevices or dense vegetation. Eels are nocturnal feeders and tend to migrate to deeper waters during winter. As carnivores, they primarily consume live prey, including small fish like carp, grass carp, herring, and minnows, as well as crustaceans and worms. Young eels under 15 cm mainly eat shrimp and small fish, while those over 25 cm prefer larger prey like clams and mussels. They also show a preference for slender, flat-bodied fish.
**Healthy Aquaculture Techniques**
2.1 **Breeding Fry**
Fry ponds should be thoroughly cleaned before stocking. A standard size is 2–3 mu (about 0.13–0.2 hectares), with 150 kg of lime per mu used to eliminate pests and pathogens. After filling the pond with 1 meter of fresh water, 200 fry per square meter are introduced. Feeding practices must match the developmental stage of the fry. Newly hatched eels are fed specialized diets for the first few days, and as they grow, their diet gradually shifts to include larger prey. It’s crucial to maintain an adequate supply of bait fish to prevent cannibalism among fry.
2.2 **Adult Fish Cultivation**
2.2.1 **Pond Conditions**
Eels thrive in small, well-maintained ponds of 2–3 mu with a depth of about 1.5 meters. Before introducing fish, the pond should be disinfected using lime (150 kg per acre) and bleaching powder (20 mg/L). After 10 days, a test sample of fish is placed in the pond to ensure no adverse reactions before full stocking.
2.2.2 **Stocking Density**
Depending on farming conditions and technical expertise, it's common to stock 1,000–1,500 fingerlings per acre, each around 3.3 cm in length.
2.2.3 **Bait Fish Sources**
Three main methods are used: raising live bait at home, cultivating wild fry, or using small fish directly in the pond. For example, Dianchi Lake farmers often maintain separate ponds for bait fish to provide a steady food supply for eels.
2.2.4 **Feeding Practices**
To grow from 0.5 g to 500 g, eels consume approximately 5,000 bait fish. Feeding should be frequent, ideally every 3–5 days, to maintain a consistent food density. When bait is abundant, feeding should continue to ensure all fish have enough to eat.
2.2.5 **Daily Management**
Regular inspections in the morning and evening help monitor feeding behavior, growth, and water quality. Maintaining dissolved oxygen levels above 5 mg/L is essential. Water changes should occur every two weeks, and aerators are used during hot weather to prevent oxygen depletion. Aquatic plants can also be introduced to improve water clarity and support fish health.
2.2.6 **Security Measures**
Anti-theft precautions are necessary, especially during the adult stage and when harvesting. Sieve mesh should be installed at outlets to prevent fish from escaping. Guards may be posted during critical periods to ensure safety.
**Disease Prevention**
Preventing disease is vital in eel farming due to their susceptibility to infections. Proper hygiene, water quality control, and regular disinfection are key. Ponds should be fully disinfected with lime before use, and water parameters like pH, dissolved oxygen, and ammonia levels must be monitored. Oxygenation systems are essential to prevent floating head syndrome, which weakens the immune system and increases mortality risk.
**Bait Fish Disinfection**
Before introducing bait fish, they should be quarantined and treated with a 3–5% saltwater dip to reduce disease transmission.
**Medication Use**
Disinfection methods include dipping fish in containers, hanging bags with disinfectants in cages, and using copper sulfate and ferrous sulfate to combat parasites. Tools should also be sterilized regularly, either by soaking in copper sulfate solutions or exposing them to sunlight.
By following these practices, eel farming can become more sustainable, efficient, and profitable, meeting growing market demands while ensuring the health and well-being of the fish.