Mudworms, commonly known as loach, belong to the family of Cyprinidae and are also referred to as mud eel or water locust. They are widely distributed in freshwater environments such as rivers, ditches, paddy fields, ponds, and lakes, making them a relatively common and economically valuable fish species. Their flesh is tender and delicious, earning them the title of "ginseng of the water." Not only do they have high nutritional value, but they are also believed to help improve energy, remove dampness, and treat conditions like diabetes, acne, and night sweats in children. Additionally, regular consumption of loach can promote beauty and help prevent colds.
In the domestic market, the price of loach ranges from 10 to 16 yuan per kilogram, while on the international market, it can be significantly higher—up to 30 yuan per kilogram in port areas and as much as 70 yuan per kilogram in South Korea. With increasing demand both domestically and internationally, the prospects for artificial breeding of loach are very promising.
This article aims to provide practical techniques for loach farming and ecological rice field cultivation for farmers. It includes detailed methods for artificial breeding, seedling rearing, and ecological farming in paddy fields.
**I. Artificial Breeding and Seedling Cultivation**
1. **Broodstock Selection**: The best broodstock should come from natural waters or selected wild populations. They should be healthy, disease-free, and between 2 to 3 years old. Female loaches should weigh 15–25 grams, and males at least 12 grams.
2. **Stocking Broodstock**: In early April, male and female loaches are stocked in breeding ponds with an area of 80–120 square meters and a depth of 70–80 cm at a density of 0.5–1 kg per square meter. Before stocking, the pond must be disinfected, and the fish should be treated with a 3%–5% saltwater bath for about 5 minutes.
3. **Feeding**: After stocking, feed full-nutrient compound feeds with at least 35% protein content, along with some fresh animal meat. Feeding should be done twice daily, with 30% in the morning and 70% in the afternoon. After spawning, feed once in the evening. Freshwater should be added every 7–10 days, and lime slurry applied every 15 days at 15–20 g per cubic meter.
4. **Artificial Ovulation**: When the water temperature reaches around 22°C, select females with soft, elastic bellies and visible ovaries. Male fish are identified by touching their pectoral fins. Oxytocin types include HCG, LHRH-A2, and DOM. Dosages vary depending on the type used. The injection is administered into the back muscle at a 45-degree angle, with 0.2 mL per fish.
5. **Spawning Facilities**: Spawning boxes made of 40-mesh screens are prepared, with palm leaves placed at the bottom. The broodstock is placed in a 1:1.2 to 1:1.5 ratio. Spawning occurs in a quiet environment, typically within 11–13 hours after oxytocin administration, lasting 7–8 hours.
6. **Incubation**: Eggs are incubated using hatching cylinders, loops, or cages. Optimal water temperature is 20–28°C, and hatching takes 30–35 hours. After hatching, fry are fed with rotifers and egg yolks before being transferred to larval rearing.
**II. Seedling Cultivation Ponds**
Ponds for seedling cultivation should be 30–100 square meters with a depth of 40–60 cm. A layer of 15–20 cm of mud is ideal. Organic fertilizer is applied at 0.3–0.5 kg per square meter, and fry are stocked at 800–1000 per square meter. Water flow and aeration are adjusted based on fry development.
**III. Ecological Farming in Paddy Fields**
Ecological farming in paddy fields offers multiple benefits. It allows for dual use of water and land without damaging the ecosystem. A yield of 70–100 kg of loach per mu (about 0.067 hectares) can be achieved, while rice yields remain stable. Loach helps control pests, reduces pesticide use, and improves soil structure. This method also lowers feeding costs and enhances overall economic efficiency.
**IV. Field Preparation and Management**
Paddy fields should have good water sources, clean water, and proper drainage. Field ridges should be raised to prevent leakage, and anti-escape nets installed. Fish ditches and slips are dug to manage water levels and facilitate loach recovery. Fertilizers are applied in these areas before stocking.
**V. Stocking and Feeding**
Loach are usually stocked 10 days after transplanting rice. Fish are soaked in saltwater before being released. Feeding is done twice daily, with bait including insects, rice bran, and artificial feeds. Balanced nutrition is essential for growth and health.
**VI. Disease Prevention and Control**
Common diseases like Saprolegnia, Print disease, Fin Rot, and Trichodiasis require prompt treatment. Salt baths, disinfectants, and specific chemicals are used to manage infections. Regular monitoring and hygiene practices are crucial to prevent outbreaks.
**VII. Harvesting Methods**
Various methods are used to catch loach, including cage traps, net traps, and dry pond harvesting. Cage traps are most effective, especially when baited with fried rice bran or silkworm cocoons. Catch rates can reach up to 80%, making this a reliable and efficient method.
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