Big silver fish pond breeding technology
2025-07-17 11:34:41
The habits of large silverfish in ponds can be divided into several key aspects, including their living, feeding, and breeding behaviors. These fish typically reside in the middle and lower layers of the pond. They rarely appear near the surface unless there is a lack of oxygen. In areas with aquatic plants at the bottom, they often hide among them, and when disturbed, they may burrow into the mud. Juvenile whitebait exhibit strong phototaxis, meaning they are attracted to light. This behavior can be used to gather them at night for observation of their growth and feeding patterns. However, adult fish do not show this behavior.
In terms of feeding, juvenile whitebait begin to feed on rotifers around day 10 after hatching. As they grow, they gradually shift to larger zooplankton such as nauplii, copepods, and cladocerans. The diet eventually includes small fish and shrimp, making them carnivorous. Their feeding habits are crucial during early development, as any delay in food availability can lead to high mortality rates.
Breeding occurs naturally in ponds where conditions are suitable. Large silverfish can mature and spawn in these environments, with gonadal development similar to that observed in natural waters. In the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, spawning peaks between late December and early January. Ponds with hard bottoms and aquatic vegetation tend to have higher fertilization rates, often reaching 80% to 90%.
Pond selection is important for successful rearing. Ideal ponds should be old, with fresh, unpolluted water, sheltered from direct sunlight, and easy to drain. A single pond should be between 3 to 5 acres, with a depth of at least 2 meters and a layer of about 0.2 meters of soft mud. It’s best to avoid stocking with omnivorous or predatory fish.
For seedling stocking, it's recommended to prepare the pond by cleaning it and using water from fish breeding ponds. This helps increase the density of rotifers, which are essential for young fish. The process should start two weeks before stocking, with a water depth of 0.6 meters. Seedlings can be collected from natural waters or obtained through artificial insemination. Fertilized eggs are often sourced from lakes like Taihu and Dianchi. Hatching under controlled temperatures (4–6°C) ensures a high survival rate.
Stocking methods are critical. Eggs are generally more successful than embryos. Stocking should occur about a week before hatching, with approximately 20,000 eggs per acre. After 9 to 10 months, about 30 kilograms of whitebait can be harvested. Overstocking leads to low survival rates, so careful planning is necessary.
Cultivation techniques involve maintaining adequate food supply. Larvae rely on rotifers and nauplii, so ponds must be well-fertilized in advance. Fermented manure and lime can help create a favorable environment. After 10–15 days, the water becomes rich in plankton, supporting larval growth.
As the fish grow, their diet shifts to include cladocerans, copepods, and midge larvae. Fertilization should be adjusted based on water color and temperature, keeping water transparency above 40 cm. Water depth should remain around 2 meters.
For adult fish, feeding is more intensive. Fish over 40 mm in length require sufficient plankton, which can be maintained through fermented manure or small amounts of soy milk. Monitoring water quality is essential to prevent issues like floating heads, which occur when oxygen levels drop. At 20°C, floating heads are common, and if not addressed, can cause mass deaths. Reducing fertilizer use, avoiding overfeeding, and using aerators can help manage this.
During the dietary transition phase, from zooplankton to small fish and shrimp, it's important to introduce live prey. When fish reach around 80 mm, their diet begins to shift. Introducing shrimp in May, for example, aligns with their feeding needs and improves growth rates.
Finally, during hot summer months, ensuring the pond has a depth of at least 2.5 meters is vital. If this isn't possible, shading the pond can help protect the fish from heat stress. Proper management throughout all stages ensures healthy and productive whitebait farming.
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