Misgurnus anguillicaudatus, commonly known as the mud loach, belongs to the family Acrididae. It is often referred to as "Ginseng in Water" due to its rich nutritional value and delicate taste. The meat is tender and highly prized, making it a popular ingredient in traditional dishes like "Mud and Dough Tofu." Beyond its culinary appeal, the mud loach holds significant medicinal value and is an important aquatic product for export in China.
Thanks to its strong adaptability, resistance to disease, high survival rate, and ease of feeding, the mud loach has become a key species in aquaculture. This article provides a detailed guide on the technical aspects of mud loach seedling cultivation, pond farming, rice field culture, disease prevention, harvesting, and transportation.
1. **Seedling Cultivation**
1.1 For seedling breeding, earthen ponds are preferred. The pond size should be between 30 to 100 square meters, with a depth of 40 to 60 cm. A fish slide should be built at the bottom to provide shelter and help regulate temperature. A 15 to 20 cm layer of silt should be laid, and duckweed should be placed to cover about one-fourth of the pond area.
1.2 Before stocking, the pond should be disinfected using quicklime (20–30 kg per 100 square meters). After disinfection, decomposed manure (300–400 kg per 667 square meters) can be applied as a base fertilizer. The water level should be raised to 30 cm, and once the water turns green with a transparency of 15–20 cm, the seedlings can be introduced.
1.3 Seedlings are typically fed after being released from the hatchery. They should be fed for 3–5 days until their yolk sacs disappear and they begin to feed externally. At this stage, the density should be around 800–1000 per square meter, and only uniform-sized seedlings should be stocked to ensure even growth.
1.4 Newly hatched seedlings have specific dietary needs. Initially, they can be fed with rotifers and small phytoplankton. As they grow, they can transition to egg yolk, fish meal, milk powder, and soybean cakes. Once they reach 1 cm in length, they can consume insects, larvae, and organic debris. Feeding should occur 3–4 times daily, with gradually increasing amounts of formulated feed to acclimate them to artificial diets.
2. **Pond Culture**
2.1 Choose a sunny, sheltered location with weakly alkaline soil and no pesticide contamination. Ponds should be 100–250 square meters in size, with a depth of 0.7–1 m. The pond bottom must be compacted and sealed to prevent leaks. Inlet and outlet systems should be equipped with fine mesh to prevent escape.
2.2 After clearing the pond, apply organic fertilizer such as pig manure to cultivate the water. Stocking density should be 50–60 per square meter when the loaches are 3–4 cm long.
2.3 Feed daily, adjusting based on water quality and weather conditions. Maintain water clarity at 15–20 cm and avoid overfeeding. If oxygen levels drop, stop feeding and add fresh water. In winter, increase water depth and apply manure to maintain warmth.
3. **Rice Field Cultivation**
3.1 Select paddy fields that are muddy, weakly alkaline, and free from cold water leakage. The field size should not exceed 1000 square meters. Reinforce the dikes with mesh or plastic sheeting to prevent escapes. Dig pits and trenches for shelter and easier harvesting.
3.2 Stock 20,000–25,000 seedlings per 667 square meters after transplanting rice. Apply mature animal fertilizer in the pits before planting.
3.3 Feed with bran, dried cakes, alfalfa, and other feeds. Avoid excessive use of pesticides and keep the water clean. Monitor water quality regularly to prevent deterioration.
4. **Disease Prevention and Control**
4.1 **Water Mold**: Caused by low temperatures and injuries. Prevent by avoiding mechanical damage and treating with salt or malachite green.
4.2 **Rot Disease**: Characterized by ulcers and redness. Treat with bleaching powder or furazolidone.
4.3 **Parasitic Diseases**: Symptoms include thinning bodies and erratic swimming. Use copper sulfate or crystal enemy to control parasites.
4.4 **White Ring Disease**: Appears as red rings on the body. Prevent by dipping in malachite green solution.
4.5 **Bubble Disease**: Caused by excess gas in the water. Prevent by adding salt and ensuring good water circulation.
4.6 **Predators**: Snakes, frogs, birds, and otters can threaten loaches. Use nets and barriers to protect the pond.
5. **Harvesting Methods**
5.1 **Flushing Method**: Drain the pond and use nets to capture loaches near the inlet.
5.2 **Trapping Method**: Use bait such as boiled bones or fried bran to attract loaches into traps.
5.3 **Dry Pond Method**: During winter, drain the pond and dig channels to concentrate the loaches for easy capture.
6. **Transportation**
Live transport is common for mud loaches. Use bamboo rafts lined with plastic film and add water (2–2.5 kg per raft). Add water every 1.5 hours during transit to keep the loaches alive and healthy.
By following these techniques, farmers can successfully raise mud loaches, ensuring high yields and quality while maintaining sustainable practices.
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