A farmer friend reached out to me for advice on aquaculture techniques and disease prevention related to the catfish. I had a detailed conversation with Yang Zhuangzhi, the head of the Chengdu Aquatic Technology Promotion Station. According to him, catfish are known for their unique features such as complex feeding habits, strong disease resistance, wide adaptability, fast growth, tender meat, rich nutrition, and high economic value. These fish prefer dark environments and thrive in temperatures ranging from 0°C to 38°C, starting to feed at 5°C, with an optimal growth range between 18°C and 30°C. They require a pH level between 6 and 8.5 and dissolved oxygen levels of at least 3 mg/L. Under pond culture conditions, they grow quickly, reaching lengths of 14-20 cm and weights of 30-100 g within the first year, and up to 40-55 cm with weights of 800-1500 g by the second year.
In their early stages, when they are about 5-6 cm long, they primarily feed on zooplankton like rotifers, cladocerans, and copepods. As they grow to around 10 cm, they shift to feeding on organic debris, including benthic organisms, aquatic insects, and terrestrial insects. In artificial breeding environments, they are usually fed compound feeds.
Catfish can be farmed in ponds, reservoirs, and through high-density flow systems, cage culture, and factory-based methods. Currently, the main adult culture methods include pond breeding and cage culture.
For pond culture, it's essential to select a pond area of more than three acres with a water depth of at least 1.5 meters, sufficient water supply, and good drainage. Aerator units should be placed every 10 mu. Before stocking, the pond must be disinfected using lime and bleaching powder. Fish can be raised either alone or in polyculture systems. The ideal size for catfish fingerlings is 15-20 cm, while other species are stocked at 30-50 g each. Stocking typically occurs from December to February, or fish can be transferred directly from large-scale breeding ponds in autumn.
Daily management involves regular pond inspections in the morning, evening, and night to monitor fish behavior and feeding patterns. Training before any handling or netting operations is crucial to prevent injuries. Water pH should be adjusted every half month by spraying 50-100 mg/L of lime slurry to maintain slightly alkaline conditions. Water levels should be managed based on the season, and new water should be added regularly during hot months to maintain transparency and water quality.
Oxygenation is important, especially during sunny days when aerators should be used at noon, and on cloudy days early in the morning. During rainy weather or after fertilization, it’s best to avoid midday aeration. Disease prevention includes the use of external treatments like lime and bleach, and oral medications such as oxytetracycline and furazolidone.
Cage culture requires careful selection of water areas with good water flow, sheltered locations, and a pH between 6.5 and 8. Cages should be arranged in a "non" shape, spaced at least 100 meters apart, and made of floating materials to adjust with water levels. Fish are introduced into cages once the water temperature reaches 15°C, ensuring better survival rates and fewer diseases. Daily monitoring, cage maintenance, and adjusting fish density are key practices in cage farming.
Feeding strategies emphasize consistency in timing, location, and portion sizes. Feeding should be observed to ensure fish are eating properly, and the feed must be fresh and well-balanced in nutrients. Protein and energy requirements vary depending on the fish’s size, with higher protein content needed for smaller fish. Minerals and vitamins are also critical for bone development, enzyme function, and overall health.
By following these practices, farmers can successfully raise catfish in both pond and cage systems, ensuring healthy growth and high yields.
Capillary Microcirculation Microscope
Micirculation Microscope:
The Nailfold Capillaroscopy Microcirculation Microscope is an advance medical photoelectric apparatus,equipped with built in special LED light source,used mainly in observation on human nail fold capillary microcirculation or term as video Nailfold capillaroscopy,Such as capillary blood flow, abnormal microcirculation of the vascular structure, cell adhesion, through its powerful optical magnification. Undistorted, real time dynamic video streaming via Sony CCD imaging device onto the LCD monitor screen.
Digital Microscope,Micirculation Microscope,Blood Microcirculation Microscope,Microcirculation Microscope Device
Shenzhen Suyzeko Limited. , https://www.nirlighttherapy.com