Loach is a genus of fish commonly found in warm-water environments. These small, elongated fish typically measure over 10 centimeters in length and have a yellow-brown body with irregular black spots. They possess a small, downward-facing mouth and are known for their delicate, flavorful meat, which is rich in nutrients such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and iron. With a protein content of 22.6 grams per 100 grams, loach is a valuable aquatic product, widely exported for its nutritional value and taste.
Loach is highly adaptable and easy to breed, making it an ideal candidate for aquaculture. It thrives in rice fields, ponds, and other shallow water bodies where there's consistent moisture. These fish prefer the muddy bottom of still waters, often moving along the ground at night to feed on insects, snails, aquatic plants, and organic debris. Their thin skin and straight intestines allow them to absorb oxygen from both water and air, enabling them to survive in low-oxygen conditions or even when the water dries up during winter by burrowing into the mud.
The optimal temperature range for loach activity is between 18°C and 30°C, with the fastest growth occurring at 25°C–28°C. When temperatures exceed 30°C, they retreat to the mud or grassy areas, while below 10°C, they enter hibernation. They emerge again when the temperature rises above 5°C. From April to October, loach grows rapidly and is most active at night, feeding on a variety of organic matter.
In China, loach can be farmed in various freshwater environments, including rivers, lakes, ditches, paddy fields, and reservoirs. The breeding process involves several key steps: constructing suitable ponds, accelerating seed propagation, and managing feeding and care.
First, pond culture requires a well-located site with ample sunlight and good water access. A pond area of 100–150 square meters is ideal, with a depth of 50–100 cm. The bottom should have a 30–40 cm layer of soft soil or mud to provide habitat and help regulate temperature. Inlets and outlets must be protected with nets or gates to prevent escape or flooding.
Second, for seed propagation, loach reaches sexual maturity at two years old and spawns between April and August. Broodstock should be healthy, active, and free of injury, with females having short, rounded pectoral fins and males having longer, more pointed ones. Natural spawning is common, using branches or aquatic plants as spawning media. Eggs are collected and transferred to hatcheries, where they hatch after about 1–2 days at 24°C.
Third, feeding and management involve careful monitoring of water quality and nutrition. Ponds should be prepared with clay and fertilized to support plankton growth. Loach are fed a mix of natural and artificial foods, including insects, fish meal, and plant-based materials. Feeding rates vary by season, and water should be regularly refreshed to maintain oxygen levels. In winter, deeper water and manure application help maintain warmth.
Rice field farming is another effective method, where loach are stocked after transplanting rice. Fish pits are created near drainage points to provide shelter during dry periods. Natural food sources are supplemented with rice bran, and chemical use is minimized to preserve water quality. At harvest time, yields of 25–35 kg per mu can be achieved.
With its hardy nature, high nutritional value, and ease of cultivation, loach farming offers a promising opportunity for sustainable aquaculture and income generation.
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