**Aquaculture Management for Large-mouth Bass**
1. **Pond Conditions**
The aquaculture area should be located near a breeding pond with a healthy ecological environment, free from contamination by industrial waste, agricultural runoff, or medical waste. The source water must be clean and meet the standards of "Non-polluted Food Freshwater Aquaculture Water Quality" (NY5051-2001). The pond bottom should be firm, with minimal silt and no leakage. The pond structure must be sturdy, with any deep holes or depressions repaired to prevent large bass from escaping or getting stuck. It is recommended to prepare 3–5 ponds, each with an area of 1,500–5,000 square meters and a water depth of 1.5–2 meters. Before stocking, the ponds should be dried and disinfected. Apply 150 kg of lime per 667 square meters, or use 30 g/m³ of bleaching powder to eliminate pathogens. Disinfection should strictly follow the guidelines outlined in NY5071-2002.
2. **Selection and Stocking of High-Quality Fish Species**
Only high-quality large-mouth bass with consistent size, bright color, and strong body should be selected. Ideal sizes are 10–12 cm, as smaller fish may have lower survival rates. Fish should come from original species collected from the Yangtze River or cultivated without pollution. Stock 1,200–1,500 fingerlings per 667 m² at 10 cm, and 800–1,000 at 12 cm. Before stocking, dip the fish in 3% saltwater for 5 minutes, then slowly introduce them into the pond after matching the water temperature. To maintain water quality and control plankton, add 100 cm catfish and 20 carp per 667 m². All fish must be free from harmful substances.
3. **Feeding and Management**
Large-mouth bass are carnivorous and require a steady supply of food. When first stocked, feed them with fish paste made from fresh squid or bait fish, cut into small pieces and mixed thoroughly. Feed three times daily: 9:30–10:30 AM, 4:00–5:00 PM, and 8:00–9:00 PM. At night, increase feeding slightly due to their nocturnal feeding behavior. Introduce 1:30 ratio of bait fish to reduce competition and ensure a steady food supply. Once fish exceed 20 cm, switch to chopped fish, bovine liver, or other animal organs. Feed 8–10% of their body weight daily. For artificial feeding, use full-nutrient pellets with 45.2% crude protein, fed 3 times daily. Adjust feeding amounts based on fish size and growth stage.
4. **Grading and Rotation**
Regular grading helps maintain uniform size and prevents larger fish from preying on smaller ones. After 10–15 days, when fish reach 20 cm, separate them into different ponds. Use nets to sieve and place similar-sized fish together. Repeat this process every 10 days until fish reach 50–100 g. This improves survival and growth efficiency.
5. **Water Quality Control**
Maintain clear, oxygen-rich water with a pH of 7.0–8.4 and dissolved oxygen above 5 mg/L. Keep water transparency at 30–35 cm. Change 1/3–1/4 of the water weekly during hot seasons and apply lime (20–30 kg per mu) every 10–15 days. Remove floating debris regularly and install aerators to maintain oxygen levels, especially during rainy or hot weather.
6. **Daily Monitoring and Disease Prevention**
Inspect the ponds three times daily—morning, afternoon, and evening. Monitor feeding behavior, water color, and leftover bait. Adjust feeding amounts accordingly and remove uneaten food. Check for signs of disease or stress. Maintain detailed records of all activities. While large-mouth bass are generally resistant to disease, strict hygiene practices are essential. Disinfect fish, water, and equipment using approved agents like chlorine dioxide or quicklime. Follow the guidelines in NY5071-2002 for safe drug use.
7. **Harvesting and Market Readiness**
Large-mouth bass grow rapidly and can reach 2–4.5 kg within 5–6 months. To optimize pond space and increase profit, harvest them gradually. Stop feeding one day before harvesting and follow withdrawal periods for all drugs used. Ensure the fish are clean and ready for market.
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