Autumn is an ideal time for fish to gain weight and grow stronger. For farmers, proper feeding and management during this season are crucial. Long-term research by fisheries scientists has shown that effective autumn management can boost fish production by up to 30% compared to regular practices. Proper care in the fall not only improves breeding efficiency before winter but also enhances the fish's ability to survive if they don't meet market size requirements, ensuring their safety through the colder months.
What should you focus on during this season?
First, pay attention to top dressing. Fish farming relies heavily on a biological food chain, with species like snails and shrimp filtering plankton. In autumn, it’s essential to fertilize the water to promote the growth of natural feed, such as plankton, which supports larvae and other aquatic organisms. At the beginning of autumn, when temperatures are still relatively high, it’s best to apply small amounts of fertilizer. This helps maintain good water quality without causing it to become stagnant or murky. For a 2.5-mu pond, applying 5 kg of superphosphate and 2.5 kg of urea can turn the water green or tea-green, which is ideal for fish growth. In clear water ponds, fermented animal manure is often used instead. Applying 400–500 kg every 7–10 days can quickly boost plankton levels. As the weather cools later in the season, organic fertilizers should be used to thicken the water and encourage plankton multiplication, providing enough nutrition for the fish to survive the winter.
Second, monitoring temperature changes is key. As autumn progresses, daily temperature fluctuations increase, and fish begin to store energy for winter. To support this, ensure that sufficient green feed is available, and feed once daily in the afternoon, making sure the fish consume the meal within two hours. Additionally, increase the amount of concentrate feed, mixing it with bran, rice bran, peanut meal, and soy flour. Feed once a day, with the quantity equal to 2.5–3% of the total fish biomass. After October, slightly increasing the feeding amount ensures the fish get all the nutrients they need.
Third, maintaining water quality is vital. Clean water is the foundation of healthy fish growth. Fresh water should be added every 7–10 days, replacing 20–30 cm each time. Apply 20 kg of quicklime per mu to neutralize acidity, raise pH, and improve overall water quality. It’s recommended to do this twice a month. In ponds where organic fertilizers or concentrated feed are commonly used, especially those near livestock farms, eutrophication can occur. To combat this, plant floating plants like water hyacinth or water spinach on bamboo rafts at a rate of 50–60 square meters per acre. These plants absorb excess ammonia nitrogen, improving water clarity and quality. They also serve as additional feed for grass carp.
Fourth, watch out for "floating heads" — a sign of oxygen depletion. In densely stocked ponds with high organic matter, fish may suffer from hypoxia, leading to floating behavior. Regular patrols, especially early morning and late evening, are essential. If fish eat less, leave more bait uneaten, or show signs of stress like gasping at the surface, it could mean low oxygen levels. When this happens, aerate the pond immediately, add fresh water, or use salt and alum (5–20 kg per acre) to help restore oxygen. Removing debris and keeping the water clean is also important to prevent further pollution.
Finally, disease prevention is critical. Autumn is a common time for diseases like enteritis, gill infections, and red skin. To prevent this, treat the pond every 15 days with 1 kg of bleaching powder per mu of water. Alongside this, feed the fish with “Cyprevir†and “Fishikang†to strengthen their immunity. If illness occurs, continue using disinfectants twice and treat the feed for 4–5 days to fully recover the fish.
Lastly, prepare for winter. For fish not yet ready for market, ensure they are properly prepared for overwintering. Some species may need to be moved to separate ponds to avoid predation or overcrowding. Carnivorous fish, such as softshell turtles and catfish, should not be mixed with smaller fish. Before winter, sterilize the pond to create a safe environment. Fill the pond to a depth of 2–3 meters, as deeper water retains more warmth. For tropical or subtropical fish, cover the pond with a frost shelter made of reeds or plastic film, placed 20 cm below the water surface, covering about 80–100 square meters per acre. This will protect them from freezing and ensure their survival throughout the cold season.
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Jiangxi Chengzhi Bioengineering Co., Ltd , https://www.chengzhi-bio.com