Garden Culture Technology
The Lunar New Year Eel, also known as the starfish or seven-star fish, is a unique and highly valued aquatic species. Its flesh is tender and flavorful, making it a popular choice in many cuisines. In addition to its delicious taste, this fish has numerous health benefits, including body nourishment, improved blood circulation, diuresis, and overall wellness. Due to its high nutritional value and medicinal properties, it has become increasingly sought after in recent years, leading to a steady rise in market prices.
One of the reasons for its popularity is its remarkable adaptability. The Lunar New Year Eel possesses specialized respiratory organs located on the iliac crest, allowing it to survive in a wide range of environments. This makes it ideal for small-scale aquaculture, such as in backyard ponds, courtyards, or even small water bodies near homes. It does not require strict breeding conditions, making it an excellent candidate for beginner aquaculturists.
This species is also a temperature-tolerant fish, capable of surviving in water temperatures ranging from 1°C to 38°C. For optimal growth, the water temperature should be between 14°C and 30°C, with the most suitable range being 15°C to 25°C. It exhibits behaviors such as hiding, burrowing, and clustering, and is an omnivore, feeding mainly on animal-based food sources like small fish, shrimp, snails, and worms. Sexual maturity occurs after two winter seasons, and it can spawn multiple times a year, typically from April to August. Spawning takes place in water temperatures between 18°C and 28°C, and the broodstock displays natural behaviors such as pairing, nest-building, and parental care. Artificial breeding requires prior pairing and the use of artificial oxytocin to stimulate spawning. Incubation and fry cultivation can then follow standard fish-rearing practices.
For successful aquaculture, the following techniques are recommended:
1. **Pond Construction**: Choose a water body of 20–500 square meters with a depth of about 2 meters. Both earthen and concrete ponds are suitable. Ensure the pond is leak-proof, secure against escape, and protected from theft. To prevent the eels from jumping out, keep the water level at least 0.6 meters below the top of the pond wall. Maintain a water depth of 1–1.2 meters. Place items like bamboo tubes, bricks, or jars at the bottom to provide shelter. If using a concrete tank, add 10–20 cm of mud at the bottom to protect the fish from injury. For smaller ponds under 200 square meters, introduce water hyacinth to cover about 10% of the surface area to help regulate water quality. For larger ponds, stock 10–20 juvenile squid (around 50 grams each) to maintain balance. Use clean, non-polluted water sources such as rivers, ponds, or wells. If using tap water, let it sit for 2–3 hours before introducing it to the pond.
2. **Stocking**: Follow standard fish farming procedures. Disinfect the pond for 5–7 days, then test the water to ensure it's safe before introducing the fish. Soak the fish in a 2% salt solution for 10–15 minutes before placing them in the pond. Stocking density depends on water quality and management capabilities.
3. **Feeding and Management**: Provide a diet of chopped fresh or frozen fish, shrimp, snails, quail meat, larvae, and red worms. Alternatively, use high-protein compound feed (with crude protein over 40%) or mix it with animal-based food. Feed the fish 3–8% of their body weight daily, ensuring regular feeding times, locations, and portions. Adjust feeding based on water temperature and the fish’s eating behavior. Daily monitoring of the pond is essential, including adding fresh water, maintaining water quality, preventing escapes, and controlling predators.
4. **Disease Prevention**: Although the Lunar New Year Eel is generally hardy, diseases such as ulcers, fungal infections, and parasitic infestations can occur, especially in high-density farming. Regular water quality management is crucial. Treat the pond with 20ppm quicklime or 1ppm bleaching powder to prevent bacterial diseases. You can also apply 0.5ppm crystal trichlorfon (90%) or 0.7ppm copper sulfate solution to control parasites.
With proper care and management, the Lunar New Year Eel can thrive in various environments, offering both economic and ecological benefits. Its versatility and resilience make it an attractive option for sustainable aquaculture.
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