Pseudobagrus fulvidraco, commonly known as the yellow catfish or yellow pecker, is a small benthic fish belonging to the family Siluridae. It has a distinctive catfish-like head and is typically found in slow-moving waters with abundant aquatic vegetation. During the day, it tends to hide in crevices or rest on the riverbed, becoming active at night when it feeds on aquatic insects, larvae, mollusks, and small fish. The average body length is around 120 mm, with weights ranging from 30 to 100 grams, though some individuals can grow up to 300 mm and weigh as much as 500–750 grams. Due to its tender, flavorful flesh and rich nutritional value, this species is highly valued in China, often selling for over 40 yuan per kilogram.
With the completion of the Shuikou Hydropower Station, the Lancang River has seen an increase in water depth and slower currents, creating favorable conditions for the growth of small wild fish and crustaceans. This environment greatly benefits the yellow catfish, leading to increased wild seed availability. Local communities in the reservoir area now engage in cage farming by collecting wild juveniles and rearing them in floating cages. These cages, typically measuring 3m x 3m x 3m, are stocked with 600–1000 fish per unit, each weighing between 25–50 grams. After six months of rearing, the fish can reach 200–400 grams, yielding up to 10–20 kg per square meter, which brings significant economic returns.
Below are the main techniques used in the breeding of Pseudobagrus fulvidraco:
1. **Selection of Water Areas**
Choose sheltered coves near villages with water depths exceeding 8 meters. This ensures easy management and prevents cage damage during dry seasons. Avoid areas near chemical plants, pesticide factories, or paper mills due to potential pollution. Also, select locations within 0.1 m/s of fairways or docks where the water is relatively calm, reducing stress on the fish.
2. **Cage Construction**
Use 33 mesh polyethylene netting for the cages. Construct hexagonal double-caged units with lids, measuring 3m in length, width, and depth. The outer mesh should be 3 cm, while the inner mesh is 1.5 cm. The frame is made of bamboo poles, 3.5 meters long and 4 cm in diameter, supporting a 3m x 3m square float rack.
3. **Cage Installation**
Anchor the cages using 3 cm diameter ropes, with each group consisting of 10 cages connected by 2 cm diameter polyethylene cords. Maintain a spacing of 1m between cages and 5m between rows. Each end of the row is secured with anchor ropes, with anchors weighing 10 kg. Install the nets 10–15 days before stocking to allow algae to settle, reducing injury risk to the fish.
4. **Feeding Platforms**
Construct feeding tables using 6mm steel bars and 40-mesh screens, forming 1.5m x 1.5m rectangular platforms with a height of 0.2m. Place these in the center of the cage, close to the bottom.
5. **Stocking Fish**
Capture fish using fixed nets and shrimp traps. Avoid using electro-fishing. Select only high-quality yellow catfish, distinguishing them from similar species like P. nitidus, P. vachelli, and P. virgatus. Stingrays (P. fulvidraco) have a dark brown body, large mouth, and serrated pectoral fins, while others are more grayish with smooth edges. Stock at 100 tails/m² for 25g fish and 70 tails/m² for 50g fish. Soak the fish in 3–5% saltwater for 5–10 minutes before stocking.
6. **Feeding Methods**
Feed with fresh fish, supplemented with quail, pork blood, and snail meat. Initially, use small fish larvae to attract the fish. Gradually switch to small, palatable bait. Feed twice daily—morning (6–8 AM) and evening (5–7 PM). Adjust the amount based on water temperature and activity levels, with 60% of the daily feed given in the evening.
7. **Daily Management**
Clean the cages every 1–7 days to remove debris and ensure good water flow. Inspect and clean the feeding platform daily to prevent decay and maintain water quality. Monitor for signs of disease or cage damage. Provide shade by planting water lettuce or covering the cage with black plastic cloth to mimic low-light feeding conditions.
8. **Disease Prevention**
Yellow catfish are prone to fewer diseases, but once infected, losses can be severe. Preventive measures include using bleaching powder sachets (150–250g per bag) hung above the feeding table every 3–5 days. Apply lime regularly—1–1.5 kg per container every 7–10 days for three consecutive days. Be cautious with chemicals like trichlorfon and copper sulfate, as they are toxic to scaleless fish.
By following these methods, farmers can successfully raise yellow catfish in cages, achieving both ecological and economic benefits.
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