Zhanggong fish, also known as Zhanggong fish, is the meat of the fish species Zhanggong in the Lepisosteidae family. The Zhanggong fish is widely distributed in various regions south of the Yangtze River in China. It has the effects of nourishing Yin, replenishing deficiency, and strengthening bones and muscles. It is mainly used to treat liver and kidney deficiency, lumbago and weakness of the limbs.
How to breed Zhanggong fish? Breeding techniques for Zhanggong fish
I. Selection and construction of ponds
1. Selection of ponds
For breeding Zhanggong fish, the selection of ponds is very important. The primary requirement for breeding Zhanggong fish is "water". Zhanggong fish has higher water requirements compared to other fish. Based on existing breeding techniques and theoretical knowledge, the following points are summarized regarding water requirements for breeding Zhanggong fish. Firstly, the water source for breeding Zhanggong fish should be uncontaminated groundwater, with the water temperature being warm in winter and cool in summer. Water is the habitat for Zhanggong fish, and only when the water conditions can meet the growth requirements of Zhanggong fish can they grow well. In our province, for Zhanggong fish breeding, places with good water quality, sufficient water supply, and convenient drainage and irrigation are usually selected, with ponds and pits being the best choices.
2. Construction of ponds
Zhanggong fish is naturally afraid of light, so in most of the places where Zhanggong fish is bred in our province, the breeding personnel will install some light-shielding facilities at the bottom of the pond. At the same time, when constructing breeding ponds, fences and fish-blocking facilities will be specifically set up on the water surface and in the water, to prevent Zhanggong fish from jumping out of the water, escaping or being invaded by natural enemies.
II. Fish species
1. Selection of fish species
The selection of fish species is similar to the selection of other fish species. Firstly, it is important that the fish are disease-free and free from injuries. Secondly, the body size and specifications of the fish fry also have strict requirements. The fry should have robust and lively bodies, with consistent specifications and uniform and similar body lengths.
2. Stocking of fish species
In our province, the breeding ponds for Zhanggong fish are first disinfected using dry lime, then left for 7 to 10 days to settle, and water is added after 4 days. Feeding platforms are set up according to the ratio of fish fry. The best time for stocking Zhanggong fish is around Qingming Festival, with early stocking being more suitable than delayed stocking. The density of fish fry breeding should be arranged according to their body length.
III. Feeding and feeding of Zhanggong fish
1. Selection of feed
The feeding habits of Zhanggong fish will undergo some minor changes as they grow. When they are still fry, they can be fed with water fleas, mosquito larvae, egg yolk, minced meat, and other animal feeds. As Zhanggong fish grow, other animal feeds can be gradually introduced. Zhanggong fish can also consume plant-based feeds such as corn flour and soybean dregs, which are high in protein.
The amount of feed is generally 3% to 10% of the body weight.
2. Timing of feed placement
In our province, feeding seems to have strict requirements. Generally, it should be done twice a day, in the morning and afternoon. The morning feeding is usually around 8 or 9 o'clock, and the afternoon feeding is around 18 o'clock.
3. Method of feed placement
Our breeding personnel usually cut the feed into small pieces and control the temperature of the feed to be similar to the water temperature before feeding. Generally, the feed is placed on the feeding platform for Zhanggong fish to consume.
IV. Precautions
1. Regular water changes
Due to the tendency of the water in the breeding pond where Zhanggong fish grow to become foul and black, it is important to regularly change the water. Generally, water should be changed every 10 days to half a month. In special cases, such as extremely hot weather in summer, the frequency can be adjusted according to the situation, but it should be controlled to ensure the healthy growth of Zhanggong fish.
2. Regular inspections
For Zhanggong fish bred in ponds, the breeding personnel should conduct daily inspections. On one hand, they should check the consumption of feed by Zhanggong fish to understand their growth status. On the other hand, they should also observe whether there are snakes, rats, and other predators around the pond, in order to create a favorable environment for the growth of Zhanggong fish.
3. Regular cleaning
As mentioned before, Zhanggong fish has high requirements for the quality of the living water. Therefore, in our region, breeding personnel tend to clean the feeding platform every day, remove food residues and dead fish, and remove excessive plant growth to prevent biological decay and water pollution.
4. Regular disinfection
For most of the Zhanggong fish breeding in our province, water changes are not enough. Disinfection is a method that can maintain a good growth environment for Zhanggong fish. Disinfection is usually done by periodically spraying lime water. Lime water not only disinfects but also regulates water quality.
5. Ensuring freshness of feed
When discussing water changes, it was mentioned that the decay of feed can affect water quality. Therefore, in addition to removing residual feed, it is also important to control the freshness of the feed. Stale feed not only affects the water environment for the growth of Zhanggong fish but also reduces their appetite, and may even cause enteritis and other diseases, which is very detrimental to the growth of Zhanggong fish. Therefore, the freshness of the feed is crucial.
In most areas of our province, sterile fly larvae are mainly used as Zhanggong fish feed. The use of sterile fly larvae has low cost and high economic value. The protein content of sterile fly larvae is relatively high, which can easily meet the protein intake requirements of Zhanggong fish.
6. Light avoidance
The installation of light avoidance devices was mentioned when constructing ponds. In addition to artificial devices, water plants are also a good choice. Water hyacinth is a common choice in our region. Water hyacinth has many advantages. Firstly, it floats on the water surface and has a light avoidance effect. Secondly, aquatic plants have certain heat resistance. In addition, water hyacinth can help improve water quality. It is worth noting that the quantity of water hyacinth should be controlled, not too few or too many. Too few water hyacinths will not have a significant effect, while too many will crowd the growing space of Zhanggong fish and affect their growth.
V. Prevention and control of fish diseases
Preventing fish diseases is essential for breeding Zhanggong fish. There are many common diseases in Zhanggong fish, with parasitic gill rot disease and acute hemorrhagic disease being the most rampant.
The former is generally caused by bites from parasites. Infections can spread from wounds to other parts of the fish. For the prevention and control of this type of disease, insecticides such as crystal dichlorvos are usually used to eliminate parasites, followed by disinfection.
The latter is caused by the deterioration of water quality due to high temperatures and often occurs in summer. The fish's body may exhibit congestion in multiple areas, and even sudden death may occur. The prevention and control of this type of disease is very challenging. Most breeding areas in Guizhou adopt a combination of external and internal medication methods, mixing drugs into feed for the fish to consume while disinfecting the breeding ponds.
VI. Conclusion
Breeding Zhanggong fish in ponds carries certain risks, and Zhanggong fish has strict requirements for water quality and feed. Therefore, caution should be exercised when selecting water sources and feed. Regular water changes, inspections, cleaning, and disinfection are the best ways to improve the quality of Zhanggong fish growth, and the prevention and control of fish diseases are urgent tasks. Only with the right living environment, the right feed, and proper breeding methods can Zhanggong fish grow healthily in an excellent environment.
Images of Zhanggong fish:
