Detailed explanation of paddlefish farming techniques, and what feed is best
The paddlefish is native to the Mississippi River basin in the United States and is a large freshwater commercial fish. Because this fish is relatively expensive, it is not very common on everyday dinner tables. But this does not mean it is unpopular; on the contrary, this fish currently has very good market prospects, so let us first learn about its farming techniques together.
Paddlefish farming techniques
1. Farming location
The paddlefish farming site is chosen at the Chengqian Wadao Reservoir. The farming area has a large water surface, a water depth of more than 6 m, dissolved oxygen of 6-9 mg/L, a pH value of 7-8.4, total hardness of 20-40 mg/L, ammonia nitrogen of 0.02-0.06 mg/L, and nitrite of 0.0015-0.01 mg/L. The water quality is good.
2. Seedling selection
For paddlefish seedlings, choose high-quality seedlings with a robust physique, lively swimming, uniform size, and no disease or injury. The stocking density is 20-40 fish per sq m. The size is 10-15 cm. Because paddlefish seedlings are relatively sensitive to changes in water temperature, the temperature difference should not be too large when the seedlings enter the cage, and it is best not to exceed ±2℃; adjust it to be as consistent as possible. Before entering the cage, disinfect the fish body with 1.5-2.0% salt water for 8-10 minutes.
3. Scientific feeding
In the early stage of paddlefish stocking, feed mainly on zooplankton (such as bloodworms), then gradually domesticate them to switch food and feed floating pellet feed, supplemented by night light baiting. The feed is required to be fresh and not spoiled, rich in nutrients, and suitable in particle size. Feeding follows the “four fixed” principles.
4. Daily management
Strictly implement the morning, noon, and evening cage inspection system, carefully observe the feeding and activity of the sturgeon, and promptly remove leftover bait. Regularly wash the cage to prevent mesh blockage from affecting water exchange inside and outside the cage. On rainy days and in stormy seasons, pay attention at all times to reinforcing the cage. Also frequently check whether the cage is damaged, and repair it promptly if damage is found. If abnormal conditions are found, take timely measures.
What feed to use for paddlefish farming
The paddlefish has strong adaptability, grows rapidly, is gentle in temperament, and has a short food chain. It is the only fish among all sturgeons that feeds on zooplankton. Its bait sources are wide, and it is easy to raise and catch, making it suitable for farming in water bodies such as reservoirs, lakes, and ponds.
The paddlefish is a filter-feeding fish. It mainly feeds on zooplankton and cladocerans, especially prefers water fleas, and occasionally eats small aquatic insects such as chironomid larvae. Paddlefish with a body length under 12 cm can eat zooplankton one by one, and also eat small fish and small shrimp; when the fish body length exceeds 12 cm, its feeding organs are fully developed and it switches to filter feeding, and can capture copepods that swim very quickly. In the juvenile stage, because it has a long snout and a peculiar shape, when feeding on commercial compound pellet feed, its abdomen faces upward, with a unique movement, which is endearing and has high ornamental value, so it can be kept as a high-grade ornamental fish.
How many paddlefish can be farmed per mu of water surface
At different stages, the stocking density of paddlefish is also different. Generally speaking, when the fish are relatively small, the stocking density can be higher. After the fish grow larger, the stocking density should gradually decrease.
The stocking density of paddlefish fry starts at 200 fish/sq m, and when they grow to 5 cm, the density drops to 100 fish/sq m. One mu equals 667 sq m. After the paddlefish grow up, generally 2000 fish per mu is more suitable.
What advantages does paddlefish farming have
1. The paddlefish has a wide suitable temperature range. It is not afraid of low temperatures and can also endure high temperatures. In winter, even if the water surface freezes, as long as there is still sufficient dissolved oxygen in the water, it can live in the water under the ice; in summer, the surface water temperature of ponds often exceeds 35°C, and it can still grow normally.
2. Fast growth. The paddlefish is one of the fastest-growing freshwater fish. Fry hatched that year and raised until the end of the year can reach 1.5 jin per fish (when raised exclusively). In polyculture, they can reach more than 2 jin.
3. Feed saving. It mainly eats zooplankton, so in polyculture there is no need to feed it separately. If raised exclusively, the feed ratio will not exceed 1.3:1.
4. Easy to catch. Its habits are similar to those of bighead carp, and it is not good at jumping. The catch rate in the first netting is more than 90%.
5. Few diseases. Mainly parasitic types. At present, there have not been many disease problems.
The paddlefish has a very strong ability to adapt to the farming environment, and it grows quickly, so it has very good farming prospects. The above also introduced some of its farming methods. I hope it will be helpful to everyone and can add some farming experience for you.