Freshwater lobster is a highly promising species for aquaculture due to its fast growth rate, large size, broad dietary preferences, strong adaptability, and delicious meat. It has high economic value and offers significant market potential. Raising freshwater lobster is an ideal project because it requires low investment, provides good returns, and is relatively easy to manage.
**I. Pond Conditions**
Freshwater lobsters are not very demanding when it comes to pond conditions. However, it's important to select ponds that are well-ventilated, have good water retention, and are free from pollution. The ideal pond size is usually between 5 to 10 mu (about 3 to 6.7 acres), with a water depth of more than 1.5 meters. The bottom should be sandy or muddy and flat, with a slope ratio of 1:3 to 1:4. The pond must also have convenient inlets and outlets, as well as proper security measures to prevent theft. To provide hiding places for the lobsters, aquatic plants can be planted or structures like stones, bricks, or tiles can be placed in the pond. These should cover about one-third of the total surface area.
**II. Pre-Stocking Preparation**
Before stocking, the pond should be disinfected with quicklime at a rate of 100–150 kg per mu to eliminate harmful fish and aquatic pests. After three days, the water should be disinfected again. Ten days later, apply 300–500 kg of fermented organic manure per mu to promote plankton growth, which serves as natural feed for the seedlings. Shrimp seedlings should be selected based on size—typically 3–5 cm long—and should be healthy and disease-free. Stocking density is generally around 2,000–3,000 tails per mu. For smaller seedlings, the density can be slightly increased, but it’s crucial to maintain uniform size within the same pond to avoid cannibalism. When introducing seedlings, make sure the temperature difference between the transport container and the pond is minimal. It’s best to release them in the evening or early morning. Before releasing, gradually mix the pond water into the transport container until the temperatures match, then gently transfer the shrimp into the pond.
**III. Feeding and Management**
1. **Feeding**: Freshwater lobsters are omnivorous, consuming both animal and plant-based foods. They eat small fish, snails, clams, livestock by-products, as well as soybeans, bran, corn, and aquatic plants. Commercial feeds can also be used effectively. The daily feeding amount should be based on the shrimp’s consumption, ensuring no leftover food. Typically, small shrimp require 20–25% of their body weight in feed, medium-sized shrimp 15–20%, and large ones 10–15%. Feeding should occur twice daily, once in the morning and once at night. Since lobsters are nocturnal feeders, 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, fixed in location, and controlled in quantity and quality. Setting up 2–4 observation stations in each pond helps monitor feeding behavior and adjust the amount accordingly. Underfeeding can slow growth or cause aggression, while overfeeding increases costs and harms water quality.
2. **Water Quality Management**: Water should be clean, with a transparency of 30–40 cm, pH between 7 and 9, and dissolved oxygen above 4 mg/L. Regular monitoring of water and bottom conditions is essential to prevent deterioration. If oxygen levels drop significantly, or during storms, hot weather, or cloudy days, reduce or stop feeding. In extreme temperatures, adjust water depth to stabilize the environment. During June and August, change 20–30% of the water every 5–7 days. If water changes are inconvenient, add fresh water regularly.
3. **Disease Prevention**: Although freshwater lobsters are more resistant to disease than other crustaceans, disease management is still critical under farming conditions. Seedlings should be sterilized before introduction to prevent pathogen entry. Regular disinfection using lime water (10–15 kg/mu every 15 days) helps prevent diseases and supports molting. During summer, adding multivitamins and calcium supplements to the diet every 15 days can improve immunity. Daily patrols help detect issues early, enabling prompt action.
**IV. Harvesting**
Freshwater lobsters grow quickly, and they can be harvested and sold within the same year after stocking. Common methods include netting and dry harvesting. Netting involves placing nets in shallow areas before dusk, allowing the lobsters to enter overnight. They can be collected the next morning. Dry harvesting involves draining the pond and using a seine net to collect the lobsters. For large-scale operations, trawling nets or other specialized equipment may be used. Harvesting is most effective during dark nights.
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