Detailed Explanation of the Methods for Selecting Breeding Frogs in Stone Frog Culture

The spawning and hatching season of stone frogs is from April to September, with May to June being the peak spawning period. To increase the spawning rate and hatching rate, it is necessary to start from the revival of breeding frogs from hibernation and do a good job in the preparation work of selecting breeding frogs, mating, spawning, hatching, and so on.

Selecting breeding frogs is the foundation of doing a good job in artificial breeding. After hibernation and before spring breeding, conduct a comprehensive inspection and classification of adult frogs, and select adult frogs that are relatively large, healthy, smooth-skinned, well developed, free of disabilities, free of damage, and sexually mature to keep for breeding. Generally, for two-year-old frogs, females weighing more than 200 grams and males weighing more than 250 grams can be used for breeding. Frogs spawning for the first time produce fewer eggs, while frogs that have spawned 1 to 2 times have a higher spawning quantity and better quality. Large older frogs produce more eggs, but the quality is poor and the fertilization rate is not high, so they generally should not be selected as breeding frogs. Male frogs are required to be strong, good at jumping, with smooth skin and strong legs; female frogs are required to have short and thick legs, a bulging belly, and glossy skin. Breeding frogs aged 2 to 3 years have relatively strong reproductive capacity.

Cultivation of breeding frogs. Air temperature, water temperature, water quality, light, bait, and environmental conditions have an enormous impact on the health and reproduction of frogs. The quality of the living environment directly affects mating, spawning rate, fertilization rate, hatching rate, and the survival rate of tadpoles. According to the habits of stone frogs, breeding frog ponds should be built in quiet, dimly lit places, with a pond height of 0.8 m and an area of 4 to 10 sq m. The bottom of the pond should be lined with stone caves made of pebbles and stones, which is conducive to breeding frogs resting and spawning. The water-to-land area in the pond is 3:1, and the pond water capacity is required to be relatively stable, with a water depth of about 15 cm, fresh water quality, a pH value of 6 to 8, and no harmful parasites. Generally, in the peak feeding season, change the water once a day; in the off-feeding season, change the water once every 2 to 3 days. Stock 15 breeding frogs per square meter, and conduct group rearing at a male-to-female ratio of 1:1. The selected breeding frogs must be prepared for group rearing and stocking before hibernation or before spring breeding.

The frogs prepared to be selected and kept for breeding should be given enhanced feeding before hibernation to make them plump and strong and ensure safe overwintering. In addition to requiring suitable environmental conditions, the cultivation of breeding frogs must also ensure an adequate supply of feed. Breeding frogs mainly feed on animal-based bait such as earthworms, yellow mealworms, moths, fly maggots, and other insects. Their food intake is largest from May to September, decreases during the estrus period, and increases in the later spawning period. Feed supply should be such that a slight surplus remains after feeding, and the daily feeding amount should remain balanced. It should not be suddenly increased or decreased; adjust as appropriate according to specific circumstances. Feeding time is generally in the evening (based on when the sun is just about to set), once a day, at fixed points.