Shrimp and crabs can be raised together, but the system needs to be carefully designed. When properly managed, mixed culture can bring mutual benefits. However, if the model is not suitable, it may lead to poor results, with more losses than gains. After years of research and practical experience, we have found that two specific models—“shrimp-crab-shrimp†and “crab-shrimpâ€â€”are effective, rather than a general polyculture approach.
First, the “shrimp-crab-shrimp†model. In the first winter, large shrimp are stocked and grown until May of the following year. After they are sold, crabs are raised and harvested by October, followed by the rearing of young shrimp. Here’s how it works:
1. In newly opened ponds or those that don’t need to be dried in winter, 5-10 kg of large shrimp can be released in late October. These are raised until May next year, yielding about 10-30 kg per mu, which can generate around 1,000 yuan in profit. The key is consistent feeding throughout the winter, except during freezing periods. In spring, especially April, feeding should be intensified. Harvesting starts with traps, and finally, the pond is drained. This method increases catch rates and makes it easier to clean the pond for crab cultivation.
2. In mid-May, young crabs and shrimps are kept in cages or small ponds to improve survival rates. A 5-10% increase in survival rate is common. After about 20 days, the crabs are moved into the main pond. During crab breeding, water quality and aquatic plants are crucial. The density of seedlings and the size of the harvest depend on these factors. Tests with 400-3750 mu showed that stocking 1000-1500 crabs per mu yields about 40 kg of crabs and 2,500 yuan per mu. Too low a density leads to small crabs and lower prices, while too high a density can cause overcrowding.
3. At the end of June and early July, 1-2 kg of egg-bearing shrimp are released per mu. After the crabs are harvested in October, these shrimp grow to 2-4 cm, and by year-end, about 25 kg of shrimp can be harvested. With 15 kg of shrimp per mu, this model can generate up to 5,000 yuan per mu annually.
Second, the “crab-shrimp†model. Ponds should be cleaned and disinfected before March. In mid-April, fertilizers and grasses are added, and crabs are introduced in early May. By late June, egg-bearing shrimp are released. Crabs are managed according to standard practices, while shrimp are caught using a combination of traps and hand-picking. Water levels are maintained, and feeding continues. Before and after the Spring Festival, when shrimp prices drop, trawl nets can be used to catch 30-40 kg of freshwater shrimp, adding to overall profits.
Both shrimp and crabs are benthic species with similar feeding habits. However, during the peak growth period of crabs (June–September), too many shrimp can compete for oxygen and space, negatively affecting crab size and yield. It’s not advisable to raise shrimp and crab larvae in spring, as they grow quickly and compete with crabs, reducing their size and market value. Additionally, overstocking shrimp can lead to low specifications and poor profitability.
In both models, adding a few compatible fish species can boost economic returns without significantly affecting shrimp or crab production. This balanced approach maximizes productivity and sustainability.
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