The key to cement pond rice field eel (Monopterus albus) farming technology lies in pond construction and daily management

Cement pond rice field eel farming technology refers to a set of methods for artificial cultivation of rice field eels using ponds built with bricks or poured concrete, featuring good escape prevention, easy observation and easy harvesting. Compared with earthen ponds and net cages, cement ponds make water quality easier to control, and are suitable for courtyards, areas in front of and behind houses, and small-scale intensive farming.

Pond construction is the foundation of this technology. The pond site should be chosen in a place with abundant water sources, convenient drainage and irrigation, and a quiet environment. The pond area is generally best at around ten-plus to several dozen sq m, with a depth of about one m. A layer of soft mud can be spread on the pond bottom, and tiles, bamboo tubes and the like can be placed inside to provide hidden shelter for the eels. Escape-prevention nets must be installed at the water inlet and outlet, and newly built cement ponds must first be filled with water and soaked to remove alkali, so as to avoid alkaline substances harming the eel fry.

When stocking fry, select eel fry with normal body color, vigorous swimming, and no injuries or diseases, and keep the size as uniform as possible. Before entering the pond, they can be soaked and disinfected using conventional methods such as salt water. The stocking density should not be too high, so as to prevent the eels from tangling with each other and the water quality from deteriorating.

Daily management focuses on feeding and water quality. Rice field eels like to eat live bait such as earthworms, snail and mussel meat, and small fish and shrimp, and can also be gradually acclimated to eat compound feed. Feeding should adhere to fixed times, fixed locations and fixed amounts. In hot seasons, pay attention to shading and cooling and change the water frequently to keep the water fresh; in low temperatures, reduce feeding and do a good job of winter insulation. At ordinary times, also watch for abnormal conditions such as body surface ulceration and refusal to eat, and isolate and handle sick eels promptly when found.

Overall, farming rice field eels in cement ponds has moderate investment and flexible operation, and is suitable for farmers to try on a small scale. As long as the three keys of pond construction, fry and daily management are well controlled, relatively stable farming results can usually be achieved.