Finfish Breeding and Hatchery Management (2+1)

Care of brood fish:
● Prepare brood-stock pond following standard procedure to ensure sustained production of zooplankton.
● Stock major carps at  1,000-2,500 kg/ha, depending upon the species.
● Maintain a little lower stocking rate for catla.
● During immature stage, feed the fish with a traditional diet consisting of rice bran and oil cake (1:1) at a feeding rate of 2-3% body weight daily. 
● During the maturing phase, feed the fish with a special feed containing rice bran, oil cake, fish meal, cereals, grams and mineral and vitamin mixture.
● Alternatively, one can use commercial floating  pelleted feed (protein content : 30%)
● In addition, feed the grass carp with a limited quantity of tender aquatic plants.
● Segregate the common carp brood fish sex-wise and stock male and female in separate ponds to prevent accidental spawning in pond.
● Give special attention to catla brood fish to prevent the deposition of abdominal fat to facilitate normal gonadal development and check maturity periodically.
● Provide additional aeration (with paddle-wheel aerator), particularly in catla pond
● Segregate sexes at least one month before to increase the affinity between  male and female during spawning
● Take care to maintain water quality and plankton level by periodic manuring
● Prevent algal blooms and oxygen depletion by water exchange
● Control parasites and pathogens by periodic checking of brooders