California squid, also known as the bigmouth bass, is a highly favored fish species in aquaculture due to its rapid growth, strong adaptability, low disease incidence, and ease of capture. Its meat is not only delicious but also rich in nutrients, making it popular among both farmers and consumers. The market price typically exceeds 40 yuan per kilogram, offering high economic returns. This fish can be farmed across various regions of the country, either in monoculture or polyculture systems, resulting in high yields and efficiency. As a result, it has become an important species for adjusting freshwater aquaculture structures and promoting high-quality, high-efficiency fisheries. However, the feeding and management requirements vary at different growth stages, so mastering breeding techniques at each stage is essential for maximizing productivity.
During the broodstock incubation phase, California squid prefers to stay in the upper water layer and often hides among aquatic plants. It requires a dissolved oxygen level of at least 1.5 mg/L and can survive in a wide temperature range from 1°C to 36°C. Feeding should begin when the water temperature exceeds 10°C, with the optimal growth temperature ranging between 20°C and 30°C. As a carnivorous fish, it has strong feeding habits and primarily feeds on small fish, shrimp, and aquatic insects. In artificial breeding, it can be fed chopped trash fish or pellet feed after domestication. Sexual maturity is usually reached at two years of age, with spawning occurring annually from February to July, peaking in April. Broodstock preparation is crucial before breeding.
For broodstock pool preparation, a square concrete pond of 1 to 2 mu (approximately 0.67 to 1.33 hectares) is commonly used, with a water depth of over 1.5 meters. The water source must be abundant, the quality good, and drainage and ventilation convenient. After selecting the broodstock, the pond should be cleaned and refilled with fresh water.
Broodstock selection involves choosing healthy, large, and mature individuals each year. They should have smooth skin, neat scales, intact fins, and no signs of disease. Once selected, they are placed in the broodstock pond for cultivation.
During broodstock cultivation, the main diet consists of live small fish, shrimp, or fish lumps. If these are scarce, compound feed can be used instead. Small, frequent feedings, timely removal of leftovers, and regular water changes are essential to promote gonad development. Oxygen aerators may also be used if necessary. Before spawning, mature broodstock are moved to the spawning pond, typically in groups of 2 to 3 square meters.
After hatching, the fry are translucent and about 0.7 cm long, swimming in groups. By the third day, they absorb their yolk sac and start feeding on chlorella and rotifers. Later, they consume zooplankton like daphnia and copepods. When they can swim independently, they are transferred to special fry ponds with a water depth of 0.8 to 1 meter. Stocking density is around 30,000 to 50,000 fry per acre, with same-batch fry to ensure uniform size and prevent cannibalism. Initially, they are fed rotifers and leeches, later transitioning to red worms and artificial feed. After one month, they grow to 3–4 cm and are ready for the next stage.
In the adult fish breeding stage, the key principles are "reasonable stocking, scientific feeding, and enhanced management" to achieve high yield and efficiency.
For reasonable stocking, several methods are used, including main pond culture, small pond intensive breeding, and polyculture.
Main pond requirements include a pond area of 1 to 2 mu with a depth of at least 1.5 meters. Water quality must be good, with easy access to water sources and drainage. The pond bottom should be loamy, and an aerator is recommended. Stocking density is around 2,000 fish per mu, which can be increased under favorable conditions. Compatible species like tilapia, snails, and grass carp can be stocked to help manage waste and control plankton.
Intensive small ponds are suitable for areas of 50 to 100 square meters, using either soil or cement pools. The bottom should be loamy, and water flow should be maintained by placing outlets opposite each other. Stocking density is about 30 to 40 fish per square meter, with similar sizes to ensure even growth.
Polyculture in adult fish ponds allows for the addition of California squid, typically 20 to 50 fish per acre, depending on whether natural bait or artificial feed is used. After 5 to 6 months, the fish reach 200–300 grams each, yielding 5–15 kg per mu. Their high market value makes them a desirable species, and careful handling during transport is crucial to maintain survival rates.
Scientific feeding is vital for successful breeding. California squid require sufficient bait fish, especially small fish, shrimp, and aquatic insects. Artificially bred fish can be fed chopped trash fish or compound feed. Common feeding methods include cultivating seedlings in fish ponds, raising fish in part of the water, purchasing wild fish, or buying specialized feed. Live fish feeding should be calculated based on the stock amount, with 2–3 times the stock volume fed daily. On a weight basis, 10–12% of the total body weight is fed twice daily—once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Dead fish must be acclimated first, cut into small pieces and thrown from a height to attract the fish. After 7–10 days of acclimation, they will start feeding. Initially, small and tender bait is needed, while larger fish can be introduced as they grow. For artificial feed, a transition period is required, starting with animal-based feed and gradually introducing compound feed with 45–50% crude protein. Feedings occur twice daily, with 10–15% of body weight given when the water temperature is between 20–25°C.
Intensive management focuses on water quality, water level control, and disease prevention.
Water quality must remain clean and well-oxygenated throughout the farming process. Regular water changes are necessary, especially in summer and autumn when feeding increases and water quality can deteriorate. Water should be changed every 10–15 days, replacing one-third of the water to maintain clarity at around 40 cm, ensuring a healthy environment for the fish.
Water levels should be adjusted according to the season. In early stages, lower water levels help raise temperatures. From July to August, water levels are gradually increased to provide more space for growth. During the flood season, precautions must be taken to prevent flooding and fish escape.
Creating a clean and quiet environment is essential for California squid. Ponds should be kept free of noise, vehicles, and disturbances. Leftover food, dead fish, and weeds should be removed regularly. Daily inspections and monitoring of fish growth are also important.
Disease prevention is critical. Common diseases include gill fungus, eye disease, skin ulcers, and anchor worm infestations. Gill fungus can be treated with a 2–3% salt bath, while eye disease requires careful handling during fishing. Anchor worm infestations can be controlled with 0.5–0.7 ppm trichlorfon, which is effective and safe. Overall, California squid has strong disease resistance, but proper management ensures long-term success.
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