Fish farming is the raising of fish for personal income or profit Based on the environment in which culture is done.is the fastest growing area of animal food production. Today, about half the fish consumed globally are raised in these artificial environments.
Characters and cultivable fish
The following criteria should be considered before selecting a fish for farming purpose.
⭐Rate of growth:Fish which grow to a larger size in shorter period are suitable for culture.
⭐ Adaptation to climate:The cultured species of fish should be able to adapt to the local climatic conditions of the farm.
⭐Tolerance:The fish should have the capacity to tolerate wide fluctuations in the physico chemical conditions such as oxygen, salinity, temperature etc of the water.
⭐Acceptance of artificial feed:When more number of fish is to be accommodated in a limited space,there is the need for supplementary feeding on compounded diets.The fish should show ready preference for these feeds.
⭐ Resistance:It is desirable that the cultured fish is Hardy enough to resist the common diseases and attack of parasites.
⭐ Amiability and compatibility:The fishes proposed to be cultured together should be able to live together without interfering or attacking the other.
⭐Conversion efficiency:The species of fish which give more edible flesh per unit of food consumed,is preferred.
⭐Consumer’s preference:Food preference of people vary with the geographic regions Hence,the species cultured should be easily marketable locally or to the targeted consumers.
Marine fishes
Besides the food fishes,there is an enormous potential for the mass culture of a variety of ornamental fishes,which can bring in high profit,also from overseas markets.
Fish pond
A successful aquaculture practice with a good harvesting is usually due to proper construction, preparation and maintenance of the fish pond.
Types of fish ponds
Within the fish farming pond system there can be different pond components, namely nursery, rearing, production, segregation and breeding ponds.Nursery ponds are shallow, while the others are moderately deep.In larger production ponds,water can be maintained at a depth of 2 and 3 metres.A fencing around the fish farm,may be construed for protection.
Preparation of pond
Before the culturing of fish,the pond should be conditioned.
Conditioning
A layer of lime is spread over the bottom,for two weeks.It removes the acidity of the soil, facilities desirable geochemical cycles and kills unwanted soil organisms.Water may be let in slowly after two weeks and filled to the desired depth.The quality parameters such as temperature, oxygen content,pH, turbidity,hardness, alkalinity and plankton growth should be checked for their optimal levels,before stocking the fish.
Manuring
After 15 days of limiting,the fertilization is to be done in order to develop the fish food organisms.Manure may be of organic or chemical nature.
Management of fish farm
Feed and water quality are the two major factors governing the productivity of the fish culture pond.Besides,seed quality, stocking and other management measures also determine the extent of fish production.
Feeding
Apart from natural food,most cultured species take artificial feeds.In general artificial feed should contain 30-40% protein,5-10% fat,50-60% carbohydrate,less than 5% cellulose,10% water, vitamins and minerals.
Routine management and diseases
Analysing water parameters, replenishment of water, regular feeding, observation for mortality and disease symptoms should be routine checks in the management of aquaculture ponds.
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