Loaches are small freshwater fish belonging to the suborder Cobitoidei, known for their scorpion-like shape. They are omnivorous and widely distributed in rivers, ditches, paddy fields, ponds, lakes, and reservoirs, except in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. As one of the main freshwater economic fish species, loaches have faced a decline due to overfishing and habitat degradation. To meet market demand, large-scale aquaculture has become essential. Below is an introduction to artificial breeding and large-scale farming techniques.
**Artificial Breeding of Loaches**
1. **Selection of Broodstock and Sex Identification**
For successful breeding, it's important to select mature loaches that are at least two years old. Females should be 18 cm or longer with a soft, elastic belly, while males should be around 12 cm. Males have long, pointed pectoral fins, whereas females have shorter, rounder ones. Proper identification ensures better spawning success.
2. **Artificial Ovulation Induction**
Before injection, prepare necessary tools such as syringes, needles, and containers. The water temperature should be maintained above 20°C to trigger spawning. Common hormones used include human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), pituitary extract, and LRH-A. Female doses are typically 300-400 IU of HCG, while males receive half the amount. Injection is done into the back muscle, and after injection, broodstock are placed in cages with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.2–1.5.
3. **Artificial Insemination**
When the loaches show signs of spawning—such as chasing and swollen bellies—artificial insemination can begin. Eggs are collected from females and mixed with milt from males. The mixture is gently stirred and then incubated in tanks with clean, oxygen-rich water. Optimal hatching conditions include a temperature of 25°C and dissolved oxygen levels of 6–7 mg/L.
4. **Incubation and Rearing**
Fertilized eggs are incubated in tanks with controlled water flow. After hatching, fry are kept in the same tank until their yolk sacs disappear. They are then fed crushed egg yolk and gradually transferred to grow-out ponds.
**Large-Scale Pond Aquaculture**
Large-scale loach farming involves cultivating over 100 mu (about 6.7 hectares) of land, aiming for high yields of 500 kg or more per unit. Key factors include site selection, pond construction, and proper management.
1. **Site Selection**
Choose areas with reliable water sources, clean water, good drainage, and suitable soil pH. Ensure convenient transportation and electricity access for efficient operations.
2. **Pond Construction**
Ponds should be 100–300 square meters in size, with walls raised 40 cm above water level to prevent escape. The bottom should have 20–30 cm of silt, and the water depth maintained at 30–50 cm. Screens or nets should be installed around the edges to prevent loss of fish.
3. **Preparation Before Stocking**
Two weeks before stocking, clear the pond, repair any leaks, and apply lime to disinfect. Apply base fertilizers like chicken manure and nitrogen-based compounds to promote plankton growth. Fish should be disinfected before release, and appropriate stocking densities should be maintained.
By following these methods, farmers can effectively manage loach populations, ensuring sustainable production and meeting market demands.
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