Maximizing the Potential of Stunted Fish Fingerlings through Innovative and Sustainable Aquaculture Practices for Enhanced Growth and Production
J. G. K. Pathan *
College of Fishery Science, Maharashtra Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (MAFSU), Seminary Hills, Nagpur-440 006, Maharashtra, India.
S. T. Shelke
College of Fishery Science, Maharashtra Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (MAFSU), Seminary Hills, Nagpur-440 006, Maharashtra, India.
S. S. Relekar
College of Fishery Science, Maharashtra Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (MAFSU), Seminary Hills, Nagpur-440 006, Maharashtra, India.
S. B. Gore
College of Fishery Science, Maharashtra Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (MAFSU), Seminary Hills, Nagpur-440 006, Maharashtra, India.
P. A. Telvekar
College of Fishery Science, Maharashtra Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (MAFSU), Seminary Hills, Nagpur-440 006, Maharashtra, India.
A. K. Kulkarni
College of Fishery Science, Maharashtra Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (MAFSU), Seminary Hills, Nagpur-440 006, Maharashtra, India.
U. Sahoo
ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai-400061, Maharashtra, India.
H. D. Joshi
Fishery Survey of India, Mumbai-400 005, Maharashtra, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aquaculture is an important industry for national economies, but it needs to improve its survival rates through increased technology awareness. Stunted fingerlings, obtained from aged fish, are a practical alternative for stocking in aquaculture due to their higher survival rates and disease resistance. Farmers can produce stunted fish fingerlings by rearing fish at a higher stocking density and feeding them with natural food for a prolonged period.
Farmers use a supplementary feed mixture of Soya Bean Cake, Ground Nut Oil Cake, Rice Bran, and Fish Meal to promote optimal growth. Using feed bags to reduce waste can also help ensure proper growth and reduce costs. Stunting of fish fingerlings has been shown to improve growth and survivability in grow-out ponds, resulting in higher yields. Access to quality fingerlings, market demand, and best management practices are critical for success. Stunted fingerlings could be a practical solution to address the problems of limited fingerling availability and high production costs in aquaculture. Multiple stockings and multiple harvesting are cost-effective methods to increase fish production and enhance pond productivity. Farmers need to follow best management practices and implement sustainable practices to minimize environmental and community impacts.
Keywords: Aquaculture, stunted fingerlings, sustainable practices, best management practices, multiple stockings