Experience and Tips on Quality Control in Freshwater Pompano Aquaculture

The freshwater pompano, scientifically named Piaractus brachypomus (short-scaled giant characin), is a tropical and subtropical fish. It has the characteristics of broad feeding habits, fast growth, few diseases, easy harvesting, delicious taste, and rich nutrition. In recent years, the lack of scientific management and quality control during the aquaculture process has led to a decline in the quality of freshwater pompano, increased material and chemical costs, and low economic returns. Through several years of practice, the author believes that quality control in freshwater pompano aquaculture needs to be addressed from the following aspects.

I. Quality control of pond aquaculture conditions  The freshwater pompano is not strict about pond area; an area of 5-15 mu is suitable, with a pond depth of 1.5-2 m, a flat pond bottom, and no excessive silt. The pond requires an abundant water source, excellent water quality, separate inlet and drainage systems, and no pollution sources around it. The aquaculture pond should be rectangular, oriented east-west, and non-leaking. The pond needs to be equipped with an aerator. In winter, the pond must be drained and sun-dried until around April 15 of the following year, then disinfected with quicklime. For dry disinfection, the amount of quicklime used is 75 kg per mu; for wet disinfection, the amount of quicklime used is 150 kg per mu. 10-15 days before stocking fingerlings, adjust the pond water depth to 1.2-1.3 m, and apply 200-300 kg of decomposed fermented manure per mu to cultivate water.

II. Quality control of fingerlings and stocking  Fingerlings should have a well-proportioned body, full dorsal and caudal regions, intact scales and fins without injuries, and be lively in swimming. When transporting fingerlings, use water from rivers, lakes, reservoirs, or clean ponds that is fresh, low in organic matter, and high in dissolved oxygen as much as possible. Transportation methods include oxygen-filled plastic bag transport and live-fish truck transport. The stocked fingerlings are overwintered fingerlings, stocked in early to mid-May when the water temperature rises to 20°C. First, as a supplementary species, stock 100-200 fish per mu (size 50-100 g/fish), which generally grow to 500-1100 g/fish by mid-August. Second, as the main pond species, stock 1000-2000 fish per mu, with a mix of sizes, and can be stocked in two to three size grades, while also stocking 200 bighead carp, 500 crucian carp, and 40 grass carp. Before stocking, fingerlings need to be disinfected in 3-5% salt water for about 10 minutes before being released into the pond.

III. Water quality control   Water quality directly affects the quality and growth of freshwater pompano aquaculture. If the water is fresh and dissolved oxygen is sufficient, it provides a good water environment for freshwater pompano aquaculture. After the fingerlings are released into the pond, add new water once about every 7 days until the water depth reaches 1.5 m by mid-June, then frequently replenish with new water to maintain a water depth of 1.5-2 m. From July to September, insist on running the aerator for 1-2 hours every day at noon, and splash quicklime water over the entire pond once every 15-20 days, using 20-25 kg of quicklime per mu.

IV. Quality control of feed feeding  The feed mainly consists of artificial compound feed and by-products such as chicken intestines, with a protein content of 25%-35%. Three days after the fingerlings are released into the pond, conduct feeding training and feed regularly. The feeding method combines concentrated feeding and broadcast scattering. When feeding, start slowly and then speed up; that is, feed slowly at the beginning of each feeding to attract the fish to the feeding area, and when the fish school gathers and rises to the water surface to feed, feed quickly and in larger amounts; when the fish are satiated and leave the area in schools, feed less. Each feeding should be controlled to about half an hour, with the fish being satiated but without excess. In production, it is required to seize the best growth period from June to August, appropriately increase the crude protein content of the feed, and feed carefully and finely to promote growth. After entering August, reduce the feeding of by-products such as chicken intestines and increase the feeding of artificial compound feed to improve the quality of freshwater pompano. During the rearing period, determine the feeding amount based on the growth rate of the fish, water temperature, water quality conditions, and feeding status. Feed once each in the morning and afternoon every day. Check the feeding situation in the evening of the same day and record the daily feeding amount.

V. Quality control of fish disease prevention and treatment  The freshwater pompano has strong disease resistance and is not easily infected by diseases. When the water temperature is above 26°C, the survival rate is generally above 95%. When the water temperature drops below 20°C, juvenile fish are prone to saprolegniasis, ichthyophthiriasis, and white skin disease. Fish disease prevention and treatment should follow the policy of "prevent before disease occurs, treat early when disease occurs, and prevention is more important than treatment." The freshwater pompano is relatively sensitive to organophosphorus fish drugs; when the concentration of trichlorfon reaches 0.2 PPM, the freshwater pompano dies, so for freshwater pompano, trichlorfon is a prohibited drug. However, it has a relatively strong tolerance to fish drugs such as copper sulfate and bleaching powder, which can be used as drugs for fish disease treatment.