Loach is a highly nutritious fish that is widely appreciated for its taste and health benefits. With a promising market demand, it has become an attractive option for aquaculture, especially in rural areas. Loach farming is not overly sensitive to water quality, making it suitable for various environments such as ponds, rice fields, ditches, and even Tiantou pits. This flexibility provides great potential for farmers to boost their income.
**I. Pond Conditions**
The pond should be located near a water source to ensure regular water changes. The ideal size is between 200 to 400 square meters, with the maximum not exceeding one mu (approximately 667 square meters). The water depth should be around 40 to 50 centimeters, and the water should be slightly acidic. The bottom of the pond needs to be flat with minimal mud to prevent escape through holes. A small fish collection pit, about 6 to 8 square meters, can be dug near the outlet for easier harvesting.
Before stocking, the pond should be disinfected using quicklime and bleaching powder. For every acre, add 50 grams of quicklime and 15 kilograms of bleaching powder dissolved in water to a depth of about 10 centimeters. This helps eliminate harmful pathogens and ensures a clean environment for the loaches.
**II. Seed Stocking**
For optimal growth, loach fry are typically stocked at a density of 40 to 50 per square meter. The seedlings should be uniform in size, ideally 3 to 4 cm long, to avoid cannibalism. Before introducing them into the pond, the seeds should be treated with malachite green at a concentration of 8 mg/kg for 5 minutes to prevent fungal infections.
**III. Feeding and Management**
1. **Natural Food Sources**: Loaches have a varied diet, feeding on aquatic animals, plants, microorganisms, and organic debris. Before stocking, apply base fertilizer such as livestock manure to promote the growth of natural food organisms. About 10 to 15 kg of organic fertilizer per square meter is recommended.
2. **Artificial Feeding**: In addition to natural food, commercial feeds like rice bran, soybean meal, wheat bran, and other byproducts can be used. The feeding amount is usually 4% to 5% of the loach's body weight. When the temperature is between 25°C and 28°C, loaches eat more actively, so feeding can be increased slightly. Feeding should be done in the evening using a feeding tray to ensure even distribution.
3. **Routine Care**: When the water temperature exceeds 30°C, loaches tend to burrow into the mud to escape the heat, which can lead to suffocation due to low oxygen levels. At this time, frequent water exchanges are necessary to regulate temperature and increase oxygen content. Shade can also be provided using water hyacinth or duckweed. Regular monitoring of the pond is essential to detect and address any issues promptly.
**IV. Fishing Methods**
1. **Water Flow Fishing**: A special fishing net is placed near the water inlet. As water flows in, loaches are naturally drawn toward the inlet. Once a sufficient number has gathered, the net is quickly lifted. This method is effective and efficient.
2. **Bait Trapping**: A bamboo cage filled with cooked wheat flour is placed around the pond. Loaches are attracted to the bait and enter the cage. This method works best at night when water temperatures are between 25°C and 28°C, ensuring a high catch rate.
By following these practices, farmers can successfully raise loaches, benefiting both economically and environmentally.
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