What should be noted when raising adult paddlefish in pond aquaculture

 Perhaps many people do not know much about paddlefish. Just from its name, we can see that the shape of its mouth is quite special, somewhat similar to a duck's bill. It is relatively uncommon in daily life, and there are still not many people who truly understand the value of paddlefish.

What should be noted when raising adult paddlefish in pond aquaculture  

1. Either monoculture or polyculture can be used as the farming method, with polyculture as the main approach. The matching ratio depends on local specific conditions. Generally, silver carp + herbivorous fish : sturgeon = 6-7 : 1; herbivorous fish : silver carp = 1 : 1.5-3. Whether monoculture or polyculture, silver carp must be included, because silver carp can control the quantity and growth rate of algae and avoid eutrophication of the water body.  

2. Stocking density  

① Monoculture. When body length is 50-60 cm and body weight is 1 kg, 80-100 fish per mu; at 2-3 kg, 40-50 fish per mu.  

② Polyculture. When body length is 25 cm, 50-70 fish per mu, reaching 1 kg by the end of the year; when body length is 50-60 cm, 20-50 fish per mu, reaching 2-3 kg by the end of the year. In the third year, 7-8 fish per mu. For adult fish pond aquaculture, it is not suitable to polyculture in small-area or intensive high-yield ponds, because intensive ponds have high yield and high density, dissolved oxygen fluctuates greatly, and sequential harvesting and restocking are all very unfavorable to paddlefish.  

Paddlefish farming techniques  

1. Seedling selection and stocking  

Select high-quality seedlings with strong 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. According to the characteristic that paddlefish seedlings are relatively sensitive to water temperature changes, the temperature difference when the seedlings enter the cage should not be too large, preferably not exceeding ±2°C, and should be adjusted 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.  

2. Scientific feeding  

In the early stage of stocking, mainly feed zooplankton (such as bloodworms), then gradually train them to switch to floating pellet feed, supplemented by night light luring for feeding. The feed is required to be fresh and not spoiled, nutrient-rich, and suitable in particle size. Feeding follows the "four fixed" principle. When the water temperature is 20-30°C, the daily feeding rate is 1.5%-3%; when the water temperature is below 20°C, the daily feeding rate is 0.5%-1.0%. Specifically adjust in time according to feeding conditions, weather, water quality, etc. The feeding frequency is 3 times a day, respectively at 07:00-08:00, 11:00-12:00, and 18:00-19:00.

3. Frequent cage inspection  

① Strictly implement the morning, noon, and evening cage inspection system, carefully observe the feeding and activity of the sturgeon, and promptly remove residual bait. Regularly rinse the cage to prevent mesh blockage from affecting water exchange inside and outside the cage.  

② Ensure cage safety. On rainy days and in stormy seasons, pay attention to reinforcing the cage at any time. Also frequently check whether the cage is damaged, and repair it promptly if damage is found. A black shading nylon cloth and anti-theft net should also be installed at the upper opening of the cage.  

③ Keep daily records. Record air temperature, water temperature, feeding amount, and the number of diseased and dead fish every day. If abnormal conditions are found, take measures promptly.  

4. Fish disease prevention and control  

Adhere to the principle of "prevention first, health management." When stocking seedlings and each time they are divided into cages, bathe them with 1%-2% salt or 0.4 mg/L dibromohydantoin and other drugs before entering the cage, and about every 20 days splash 15 mg/L quicklime and 0.3 mg/L dibromohydantoin inside the cage for disinfection. The use of prohibited drugs is strictly forbidden in the waters around the cage.  

Living habits of paddlefish  

The feeding habits of paddlefish are similar to those of bighead carp. It mainly feeds on zooplankton and cladocerans, especially prefers water fleas, and occasionally also eats small aquatic insects such as chironomid larvae. When the paddlefish body length is below 12 cm, it can nibble zooplankton one by one, and also nibble 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 fast-swimming copepods. As the paddlefish individual grows, it also feeds on pellet feed.

Nutritional value of paddlefish  

1. Paddlefish contains extremely high collagen, and for women it is simply a natural beauty product.  

2. Paddlefish contains hundreds of vitamins and multiple amino acids, and has very good health benefits.  

3. Paddlefish contains a large amount of protein and vitamins, but is a low-fat ingredient, so even eating a lot will not make you gain weight.  

4. The eggs of paddlefish can be made into caviar, and caviar also has good nutritional value and can be used medicinally.  

5. The meat of paddlefish contains anti-cancer factors, has a certain anti-cancer effect, and can also strengthen the body's immunity.

Paddlefish is a fish with very rich nutritional value. It can supplement many nutrients for the human body. Eating fish regularly can also improve human immunity. Therefore, fish are relatively popular in our lives, and their market development space is very large.