Mudworms, commonly known as loaches, are classified as scorpion-like creatures that thrive in muddy environments. They are widely found in freshwater rivers, ditches, and paddy fields across China. Despite their name, they are not related to squid but are actually a type of fish, often considered one of the most common freshwater species in the region.
The meat of mudworms is tender, flavorful, and highly nutritious, earning it the nickname "water ginseng." Not only is it a delicious food, but it also has medicinal benefits, helping to regulate energy flow, quench thirst, promote urination, and even support sexual health. It is regarded as a traditional tonic food, used to treat conditions like hepatitis, diarrhea, skin itching, bruises, ascites, and urinary issues. As awareness of its value increases, the price of mudworms has doubled, making them a popular and profitable option on dining tables. The domestic demand for mudworms is high, with prices ranging from 15 to 20 yuan per kilogram, and they are also in high demand internationally. In 2005 alone, Lianyungang Port exported 2,199.17 tons of loach, worth 3.649 million U.S. dollars, showing great potential for aquaculture development.
Here’s an introduction to rice field farming techniques for mudworms:
**I. Selection and Preparation of Paddy Fields**
1. Choose paddy fields with a steady water supply, clean water quality, convenient irrigation and drainage systems, loose and fertile soil rich in organic matter, and good water retention capacity—ideal for aquaculture.
2. Install anti-escape measures: The paddy field should be 30–40 cm above the water level. The inner ridges should be steep and smooth. Boards can be placed on the inside of the ridge, and the top edges can be covered with shields to prevent mudworms from escaping. Additionally, boards should extend 20 cm into the mud to block escape routes from below. Fish nets or traps should be installed at the inlet and outlet, placed diagonally to minimize dead zones.
3. Dig fish ditches around the field, preferably near the drainage outlet. The ditch should be about 40–50 cm wide and 40 cm deep. A small fish pit (around 5 m²) should be dug near the outflow. These ditches and pits should account for approximately 8–10% of the total paddy area, which helps with fertilization, drug application, and sun protection, while also making harvesting easier.
4. Before stocking, spread 20 cm of mixed organic fertilizer (like chicken, pig, or cow manure) in the fish ditch. Cover it with 10 cm of straw and 10 cm of soil to encourage the growth of natural food organisms for the mudworms.
**II. Seed Stocking**
Stocking typically occurs 10–15 days after transplanting rice. Select healthy seedlings of similar size and soak them in 3–5% saltwater for 5–10 minutes to disinfect. Natural feeding is preferred, with 10–15 kg of 3–4 cm-sized seedlings stocked per acre. If using intensive feeding, 40–60 kg of seedlings per acre is recommended.
**III. Feeding and Management**
Mudworms have a broad diet, including wheat bran, bean residue, soybean cake, and artificial feed. Ensure a balanced diet by using cost-effective, nutritious, and easily digestible feeds. Feed twice daily, with the amount equal to 3–5% of the loach's body weight. Feed in the fish ditch to ensure better consumption.
**IV. Field Management**
Water quality is key in mudworm farming. Monitor the water color and depth regularly. When the water becomes too dark or thick, add fresh water to maintain a depth of about 6 cm. If the temperature exceeds 30°C or the water becomes too nutrient-rich, adjust by adding new water. Limit the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Apply 4–5 kg of urea and 8–10 kg of ammonium sulfate per acre. Use low-toxicity, high-efficiency pesticides, and raise the water level before spraying. Direct nozzles upward to avoid contamination. Regularly inspect the field for damage and escape risks, especially during hot weather, heavy rain, or irrigation. Check for predators such as snakes, ducks, and aggressive fish, and take immediate action to reduce losses.
**V. Harvesting**
There are several methods for catching mudworms, including cage trapping, bait trapping, and netting. Cage trapping is effective due to their natural behavior. Place cages filled with bait made from wheat flour, rice bran, and fish meal in the fish ditches. Cages are usually set at night for best results, and a single catch can yield 50–80% of the stock in about an hour. This method ensures efficient and sustainable harvesting.
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