How to Raise Conchs? Farming Methods and Key Technical Points
The conch is a warm-water marine species, mainly living and dwelling in shallow seas with fragmented coral substrate at the low tide line and at depths of 1-30 m. It eats with tender, smooth flesh, slightly chewy, with a delicate fresh fragrance. So, how do you raise conchs?
1. Farming environment
When raising conchs, be careful to control the farming environment well. They must not be farmed together with other shellfish, and should be kept away from shellfish of the same species to prevent competition for nutrients and fighting. Determine the farming quantity according to funds, farming techniques, etc., and then reasonably control the farming area. The farm must be enclosed with iron netting, ensuring it is strong enough to prevent the conchs from escaping during farming or other shellfish from entering the farming area. Insert an appropriate number of small bamboo poles into the enclosing net so that during summer high temperatures and low oxygen, the conchs can climb up the bamboo poles to breathe.
2. Seed selection
Seed selection for conchs is very simple. Generally they are caught in the ocean, choosing live conchs with a relatively pale color, a complete and thin shell, and a round body. At present, the quantity of artificially bred seedlings in our country is relatively small, and they are sold in small amounts only at a few wharves in coastal provinces. After selecting the seeds, wash them clean, then put them into baskets for uniform distribution. When releasing them, pay attention to the release density. They must never be released too densely, and should be evenly scattered in the pre-prepared farming sea area. Then do a good job of management to ensure the growth of the conchs and improve the survival rate.
3. Feeding management
After release, pay attention to the seawater temperature, controlling the water temperature at around 15-30 degrees. Conchs are omnivorous shellfish, and in artificial farming the feed is mainly small fish, shrimp and shellfish, etc. We should also pay attention to the content of diatoms in the seawater, because conchs also feed on diatoms. Therefore, when diatoms are scarce, increase the feeding amount; otherwise, appropriately reduce it. Check the feeding situation of the conchs about every 3 days to prevent overfeeding from causing water quality to deteriorate, the bottom mud to turn black, and triggering diseases and pests in the conchs. If there is pole-climbing behavior, increase oxygen in time and adjust the water quality to promote the growth of the conchs.
Conchs have strong adaptability, but their growth rate speeds up in a suitable environment, so during the farming process pay attention to changes in water quality. In addition, note that conchs are not suitable for farming in fresh water.