Freshwater lobster farming is a promising and profitable aquaculture project. These lobsters grow quickly, have large body sizes, are adaptable to various environments, and offer delicious meat with high economic value. Their cultivation requires low investment, high efficiency, and simple management, making it an attractive option for farmers.
**I. Pond Conditions**
Freshwater lobsters are not very picky about pond conditions, but it's essential to choose ponds that are well-ventilated, water-retentive, and free from pollution. The ideal pond size ranges from 5 to 10 mu (about 3,333 to 6,666 square meters), with a water depth of over 1.5 meters. The bottom should be flat with a mix of sand and mud, and the slope ratio should be around 1:3 to 1:4. The pond must have convenient inlets and outlets, as well as security measures to prevent theft. To provide hiding places, aquatic plants can be planted or shelters like stones, bricks, and tiles can be placed, covering about one-third of the pond surface.
**II. Pre-Stocking Preparation**
Before stocking, the pond should be disinfected using quicklime at a rate of 100–150 kg per mu to eliminate harmful fish and aquatic pests. After three days, the water should be tested again. Ten days later, apply 300–500 kg of fermented organic manure per mu to enrich the water with plankton, which serves as natural feed for the young lobsters. Stocking should be done with healthy, disease-free seedlings measuring 3–5 cm in length. The density is typically 2,000–3,000 individuals per mu. For smaller seedlings, the density can be slightly increased, but all stock should be of uniform size to avoid cannibalism. When introducing the seedlings, ensure the temperature difference between the transport container and the pond is minimal. It’s best to release them in the evening or early morning. Gradually acclimate the seedlings by slowly adding pond water to the transport container until the temperatures match, then gently release them into the pond.
**III. Feeding and Management**
Freshwater lobsters are omnivorous, eating both animal and plant-based foods. They consume fresh fish, snails, clams, livestock scraps, soybeans, corn, bran, and aquatic plants. Commercial feeds can also be used to simplify feeding. The daily feeding amount should be based on the shrimp's consumption, ensuring no leftover food. Typically, small lobsters eat 20–25% of their body weight, medium ones 15–20%, and larger ones 10–15%. Feed twice daily—once in the morning and once at night. Since they mainly feed at night, 70–80% of the daily ration should be given at night. Bait should be placed in shallow areas near the pond edge. Feeding should be regular, consistent, and measured. Each pond should have 2–4 bait observation points to monitor consumption and adjust feeding accordingly. Too little feed can lead to stunted growth or aggression, while too much increases costs and harms water quality. Common shrimp feed or specialized lobster feed can be used.
**IV. Water Quality Management**
Maintaining good water quality is crucial. The water should be clear, with a transparency of 30–40 cm, a pH level between 7 and 9, and dissolved oxygen above 4 mg/L. Regular monitoring is necessary to prevent deterioration. If oxygen levels drop or weather becomes extreme (e.g., storms, heatwaves), reduce or stop feeding. In cold or hot weather, adjust the water depth to stabilize the temperature. During summer months (June–August), change 20–30% of the water every 5–7 days. Adding fresh water regularly when needed helps maintain balance.
**V. Disease Prevention**
Although freshwater lobsters are relatively disease-resistant, proper care is still essential. Seedlings should be disinfected before introduction to prevent pathogens. Regular disinfection using quicklime (10–15 kg per mu every 15 days) helps control diseases and supports molting. During hot seasons, add vitamins and calcium supplements to the diet to boost immunity. Daily patrols help detect issues early, enabling prompt action.
**VI. Harvesting**
Freshwater lobsters grow rapidly and can be harvested within the same year of stocking. Harvesting can be done using nets or dry methods. Net harvesting involves placing nets in shallow areas at night, and collecting the lobsters the next morning. Dry harvesting involves draining the pond and using a net to collect the lobsters. For large-scale operations, trawling nets may also be used. Nighttime harvesting is most effective due to the lobsters' nocturnal behavior.
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