Loaches are a group of small, omnivorous freshwater fish belonging to the suborder Cobitoidei. They are commonly found in rivers, ditches, paddy fields, ponds, lakes, and reservoirs, except for the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Among the many species, the true loach is the most well-known. These fish play an important role in freshwater ecosystems and are also a significant economic resource. However, due to overfishing and habitat degradation, their natural populations have declined, making large-scale farming increasingly essential. Artificial breeding of loaches is a crucial step in ensuring sustainable supply. The process begins with selecting mature individuals, typically those over two years old, with healthy bodies and good physical condition. Female loaches should be at least 18 cm long and weigh 30 g or more, with a soft, elastic belly. Males should be around 12 cm long and weigh 15 g or more. Identification of sex can be done by observing physical differences: females are generally larger, with shorter, blunt pectoral fins and a swollen abdomen, while males have longer, pointed pectoral fins and a red genital area. To induce spawning, artificial hormones such as human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), pituitary extract, or luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogues (LRH-A) are used. These are injected into the back muscles of the fish. The water temperature must be maintained above 20°C for successful spawning. After injection, the loaches are placed in cages with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.2–1.5. Fish nests are provided to encourage spawning behavior. Once the females show signs of readiness—such as chasing and labored breathing—artificial insemination can begin. The eggs are collected on dry white plates, and sperm is added. The mixture is gently stirred using feathers to ensure proper fertilization. The fertilized eggs are then incubated in tanks with clean, oxygen-rich water, ideally at 25°C. Hatching usually takes 30–35 hours, after which the fry are raised until their yolk sacs are absorbed before being fed finely chopped egg yolk. Large-scale loach farming involves cultivating them in ponds of 100 mu or more. These farms require careful site selection, including access to clean water, good drainage, and suitable soil conditions. Ponds are typically 80–100 cm deep, with a 20–30 cm layer of silt at the bottom. Water flow and quality are closely monitored to maintain optimal conditions for growth. Before stocking, the pond is cleaned, lime is applied to disinfect, and base fertilizers are added to promote plankton growth. Fish are then introduced, and appropriate species are selected to avoid competition. By implementing these techniques, farmers can significantly increase loach production, meet market demand, and support sustainable aquaculture practices.

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