What to Pay Attention to for High-Yield Crucian Carp Farming
To achieve high yield and high efficiency in pond-based main culture of crucian carp, farming technology is the key. During the farming process, attention should be paid to the following aspects.
1. Distinguish the quality of fingerlings. When purchasing crucian carp fingerlings, farmers should distinguish inferior from superior based on the biological characteristics of the variety, and purchase high-quality fingerlings for stocking. This is the foundation for high yield of crucian carp.
2. Stocking density of fingerlings. In order to reduce farming costs, it is best to cultivate large-size fingerlings yourself. ① For cultivating crucian carp fingerlings, stock 0.8-1.2 wan (8,000-12,000) crucian carp per mu, and raise them to a size of 50-60 grams. ② For adult fish farming, the average size of fingerlings is 50-60 grams, and it is advisable to stock 1,500-1,800 crucian carp fingerlings per mu, with the commercial fish size at 350-400 grams.
3. Matching species. To cultivate large-size crucian carp fingerlings, do not match with grass carp and common carp; instead, choose silver carp and bighead carp, with their number accounting for about 20% of the main cultured crucian carp, and bighead carp accounting for about 10% of the silver carp. The stocking time of matching species should not be too early; in particular, introducing bighead carp too early has a greater impact on the domestication of crucian carp.
4. Fingerling domestication. Crucian carp is a fish that lives in the middle and lower layers of the water body. In ponds mainly culturing crucian carp, the fingerlings are easy to float up to feed only after domestication, which reduces feed costs and improves fish farming benefits. Domestication is relatively easy during the fingerling cultivation stage. After domestication, the fingerlings have a short time to float up and compete for food during adult fish farming, which makes management easier. During domestication, adding an appropriate amount of additives to the feed can shorten the domestication time and increase the feeding area and amount of crucian carp. A large group number makes domestication easier; conversely, domestication takes longer. When the density is already determined and unchanging, the pond water level can be lowered to relatively increase the density, which not only facilitates domestication but also increases the pond water temperature and benefits fry growth. The water quality during the domestication period should be “clear and lean” rather than “turbid and fertile.”
5. Feed particle size. Generally, when crucian carp size is below 10 grams, choose a feed particle size of 0.5 mm; at 10-30 grams, choose 1.0 mm; at 30-75 grams, choose 1.5 mm; at 75-100 grams, choose 2.0 mm; at 150-300 grams, choose 2.4 mm; and above 300 grams, choose 3.2 mm. The feeding ability of fish is affected by fish size and water temperature, so the feeding amount should be adjusted randomly according to actual conditions.