The mandarin Fish, also known as the Squid or season fish, belongs to the family Scorpaenidae and the genus *Siniperca*. It is widely distributed across various freshwater systems, including major river basins and lakes. This species is highly valued for its tender flesh, minimal bone structure, and rich nutritional content, making it a popular choice on dining tables. In aquaculture, it's often raised in ponds, either alone or in combination with other fish to control wild populations. Its popularity in freshwater farming has made it one of the most sought-after species.
Mandarin fish are primarily carnivorous, and when raised in captivity, they can be fed dead fish, shrimp, or other small aquatic animals. Males typically reach sexual maturity at three years old, while females mature at four. Growth rates vary between sexes—males grow faster, reaching 50–100 grams in their first year, 500 grams in the second, and up to 1–1.5 kilograms by their third year.
For optimal pond conditions, adult mandarin fish should be kept in ponds ranging from 3 to 8 acres, with a depth of at least 1.5 meters. During summer, the water level should be maintained around 2.5 meters. The pond bottom should be sandy loam with low organic content, ensuring good water circulation and quality. Water must be clean, fresh, and well-oxygenated, with dissolved oxygen levels above 5 mg/L, a pH between 7 and 8, and a transparency of over 30 cm.
Bait fish cultivation plays a crucial role in mandarin fish farming. The area dedicated to raising bait fish should be 3–4 times that of the main pond. Common choices include white bream and small carp due to their affordability and palatability. Stocking density is typically 30,000–50,000 fry per mu. After stocking, feeding should begin only after zooplankton levels drop and fry start gathering near the pond edges. Initially, soy milk or similar feed is used, gradually transitioning to more solid food as the fish grow. Bait fish size should be controlled to ensure they are about half to one-third the length of the mandarin fish to avoid competition or overfeeding.
When stocking mandarin fish, 8–10 cm-sized fry are commonly introduced at a rate of 800–1000 per mu. To enhance feeding efficiency, fast-growing fish like guppies or minnows can be added to the pond as live feed. These are stocked at 200–400 pairs per mu or 60 two-year-old winter carp. Using fine nets to divide the pond allows for separate breeding areas, ensuring that young fish grow safely while larger fish remain active without disturbing the spawning process.
Feeding management is essential for healthy growth. Feeding should occur every 7–10 days during early and late stages, and every 5 days in the middle phase. The ratio of mandarin fish to bait fish should be maintained at 1:5 to 1:10. Too few bait fish may lead to poor growth, while too many can cause oxygen depletion and floating head issues.
Water quality is equally important. Freshwater should be added frequently, especially between June and September, every 5–7 days, with 15–20 cm each time. Aquatic plants like Vallisneria or Hymenocallis can be planted around the pond to provide shelter and improve water clarity. Lime should be applied every 15–20 days at 15–20 kg per mu. Aerator use should be timely to maintain adequate oxygen levels. Oxygenation agents should also be available for emergency situations when fish show signs of suffocation.
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