There are eight species of carp found in the Yangtze River, Heilongjiang, and other water systems across China. Among them, the Chinese sturgeon is a first-class national protected animal. Alongside it, there are golden Russian pelicans, shimmering pheasants with bright white stripes, and small, adorable fish known as "body pods," which are all economically significant.
As these tiny squid-like creatures hatch one by one, the technique of artificial squid breeding has gradually improved. These lively little beings float up and down continuously, showing off their unique vertical swimming skills. They seem a bit restless, wondering how to leave this confined space. As they look out into the water, they imagine the vast and exciting world that awaits them.
Where will they spend their childhood, and what kind of environment do they prefer? Typically, when raising carp fry, people choose containers with smooth inner walls, such as glass jars, which are more suitable for raising young fish. The cost of using glass jars is similar to that of cement tanks but slightly lower. Moreover, water supply and drainage are more convenient compared to traditional methods.
Young squids are delicate and need thorough disinfection before being placed in their new homes. Experts suggest a simple and economical method: scrubbing the walls with salt.
Once their home is ready, it's time to feed them. Newly hatched fry prefer natural food like nematodes, which are their favorite. After washing and chopping the nematodes, mix them with water and spread them evenly in the pond. In addition to feeding them, it's essential to ensure enough oxygen in the water. To do this, fish farmers use hanging buckets to increase the surface area between water and air, allowing more dissolved oxygen to be absorbed.
As the fry grow, they can gradually transition to compound feed. When they reach 5-7 cm in length, they are fed five times a day with compound feed and three nematodes. Over time, the number of nematodes is reduced until they are only fed compound feed once they reach 10 cm.
Although all the fry were born on the same day, their growth rates differ significantly. Big fish eat small fish, so it's crucial to separate large and small fry early on to prevent cannibalism. This step is vital for maintaining the quality of the fish.
After about one and a half months, the squids are fully adapted to captivity. As commercial fish, they can thrive in various environments. Research shows that they prefer temperatures between 15°C and 26°C, with a survival range of 0°C to 30°C. They can be farmed in ponds, reservoirs, cages, or aquaculture systems.
Flowing pond culture is the most common method worldwide. It’s efficient, easy to manage, and allows better control over water flow and feeding. Each pond has independent inlets and outlets, preventing contamination. The pond walls must be smooth to avoid damaging the fish’s skin.
Squid require clean, well-oxygenated water with a pH between 7.5 and 8.5. Poor water quality can hinder their growth. Stocking density should be around 500 fish per mu, with regular feeding of granular compound feed. Feed them 4–5 times daily at a rate of 1%–3% of their body weight.
Carp are calm and slow-moving, often staying near the bottom or along the walls. This behavior makes them efficient at converting feed. However, any leftover food must be removed promptly to maintain water quality.
To improve water clarity, some farmers introduce trout, which help control plankton without competing with the carp. This practice enhances overall pond health.
Artificial breeding allows carp to grow faster than in the wild. At an average water temperature of 20°C, they can reach 1 kg in one year and 10 kg in four years, leading to significantly higher yields and profits.
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