How to farm freshwater pomfret? Mastering these three points is key

Freshwater pomfret is a new species introduced in recent years from the United States, Hong Kong, China and other places. Because of its wide adaptability, omnivorous feeding habits, fast growth, strong disease resistance, few bones, no intermuscular spines, tender meat and good market demand, it is very popular among fishermen.

Freshwater pomfret is shaped like bream, but its flesh is as thick as that of carp. It is a high-quality fish and can be cultured alone or polycultured. Its farming methods and techniques are not very different from those for ordinary fish, but according to the practices of research institutions and farmers in recent years, three points must be noted:

1. The stocking size must be appropriate. If polycultured with the four major Chinese carps, it is advisable to stock fry about 4 cm long, with a stocking rate of about 150 fish per mu; if cultured alone, the size can be appropriately increased, with a stocking rate of about 1,500 fish per mu. Stocking too many will affect growth, while too few will fail to achieve ideal benefits.

2. It is suitable for farming in broad water surfaces. Freshwater pomfret is a benthic fish, often active in the lower water layer, and likes to gather in places with grass. According to comparative trials, fry stocked in large water surfaces grow faster than fry stocked in small water surfaces. Freshwater pomfret is most suitable for farming in large water areas and lakes. Even without feeding concentrated feed, it can grow to 0.5 kg in 4 months.

3. It is especially sensitive to pesticides. Trichlorfon solution, malathion and others commonly used for the four major Chinese carps can cause poisoning in pomfret. Therefore, in waters where pomfret is cultured and polycultured, pesticides must be used with special caution, otherwise it will cause poisoning and death, but bleaching powder can be used.