The cage breeding of eels has emerged as a new and promising aquaculture industry in recent years. With low initial investment and quick returns, it has rapidly spread across the country, delivering impressive economic benefits. To further promote and refine this technique, insights from successful local farmers have led to the development of a well-structured "eight-level" approach for yellow croaker pond cage farming.
1. **Site Selection and Pond Preparation**
Eels are sensitive to light and prefer shaded, quiet environments. Therefore, choosing a sunny, sheltered pond with good water supply and minimal external disturbance is essential. The ideal pond size ranges from 3 to 5 mu (about 0.2–0.3 hectares), with a depth of around 1.5 meters and a stable water level. Before stocking, the pond should be thoroughly disinfected using 100–120 kg of quicklime per mu to eliminate harmful microorganisms and improve the substrate quality.
2. **Cage Installation**
Each cage should cover an area of 15–20 square meters and be constructed from polyethylene mesh. The structure is typically a rectangular box that is 1.5 meters high, placed in the center of the pond. The corners are secured with bamboo poles, and the sides are tied tightly to ensure stability. The cage should be submerged about 1 meter deep, with the top edge 0.5 meters above the water surface to prevent escape. Cages should not exceed 50% of the total pond area. One week before stocking, cages are placed in the water to allow algae growth, which helps protect the mesh from damage. Aquatic plants like water hyacinth or peanuts are also introduced to create a favorable environment for seedlings. The plant coverage should be between 80% and 95%, and if growth is slow, supplements such as Feishuibao can be used to enhance water quality and support seedling survival.
3. **Seedling Stocking**
Currently, most eel seedlings come from wild capture, and they are preferred over farmed ones. Fish with signs of disease, such as discoloration, inflammation, or poor behavior, should be removed. Healthy seedlings have a dark yellow body with brown spots on the back. Stocking is best done between April and July when temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C, with June to July being the optimal period. Stocking at temperatures above 30°C can reduce survival rates. Seedlings should be stocked at a density of 1–2 kg per square meter, with each cage containing uniform-sized fish. Before placement, seedlings are soaked in 20 ml of Shencaodan per cubic meter of water for 20 minutes to strengthen their immunity and improve survival rates.
4. **Feeding and Management**
Before stocking, the first few days should involve fasting to help the eels adjust. Feeding should begin at night once the fish are settled. Suitable feed includes alfalfa, small fish, and clams, and feeding should start with small quantities, gradually increasing over time. As the eels adapt, artificial feed can be introduced. The ratio of fresh bait to artificial feed should eventually reach 1:2. Feed twice daily—once in the morning and once in the evening. The daily feeding amount starts at 2–3% of the fish's body weight and increases to 6% over time. Fresh bait must be washed and soaked in Shencaodan for 30 minutes to kill pathogens.
5. **Daily Management**
Water clarity should be maintained between 15–20 cm to support eel growth. Regular monitoring of the pond is essential to remove dead fish and repair damaged cages. During summer, water quality can deteriorate quickly due to high temperatures and waste accumulation, so frequent cleaning and water changes are necessary. In areas with poor water quality, products like Haibinbao can be used to purify the water. Aquatic plants should be pruned regularly to promote new growth and maintain water quality. In winter, drugs like Aureus and Baogan Granules can help boost fish immunity, while disinfectants like glutaraldehyde and antivirus agents are used to keep the water clean and safe.
6. **Disease Prevention**
Prevention is key in eel farming. A proactive strategy involving regular use of health supplements like Baogan granules and Liweisan can enhance fish immunity. Disinfectants such as glutaraldehyde and antivirus agents are used to maintain clean water. Common causes of disease include unstable water conditions, sudden temperature changes, and poor feeding practices. It’s crucial to monitor symptoms like abnormal behavior, skin discoloration, and loss of appetite to identify issues early.
7. **Disease Diagnosis**
Visual inspection is the primary method for diagnosing eel diseases. Observing behavior, skin condition, and internal organs can help detect infections. Symptoms such as erratic swimming, skin lesions, and bloated abdomens may indicate serious illness. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent widespread outbreaks.
8. **Treatment and Prevention Measures**
Various treatments are available depending on the type of disease. For example, "crazy" disease caused by overcrowding and stress can be treated with glutaraldehyde and specific oral medications. Hemorrhagic disease, often linked to poor water quality, requires a combination of disinfectants and antibiotics. Preventive measures, such as regular water testing and proper feeding, are vital to maintaining healthy eel populations.
By following these comprehensive steps, eel farming in cages can be both sustainable and profitable, ensuring long-term success for aquaculturists.
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