How to raise lobster?
2025-08-29 10:21:58
I. Preparations Before Stocking
Before stocking, ponds must have proper drainage systems in place. It’s important to install netting around the pond perimeter, with walls at least 50 cm high to prevent predators from entering. Shrimp habitats should be set up within the aquaculture area, such as using rubble, bricks, stones, mesh, old tires, or grass structures to create shelters for the shrimp. These structures help them hide and defend against potential threats.
Planting water plants like water hyacinths, water lettuce, and water peanuts around the pond is also beneficial. Their coverage should be about one-third of the pond surface, providing shade and supporting the growth of plankton that shrimp can feed on.
For new lobster ponds, it's recommended to apply lime (100 kg per acre) to clear the water and disinfect. If using an old pond or lake, it's essential to dredge, trim, and expose the pond for 10–15 days before stocking. Apply 50 kg of lime per acre for dry pool disinfection. This process helps eliminate unwanted species like crabs, snakes, rats, and other predators.
About 10–15 days before stocking, apply fully decomposed manure (100–200 kg per acre) to the pond to promote plankton growth and provide natural food sources for the shrimp. A fine mesh screen (60–80 mesh) should be installed before filling the pond to prevent unwanted organisms from entering. The water depth should be maintained between 50–80 cm, with a transparency of 30–40 cm for optimal conditions.
II. Stocking Shrimp
It's best to stock shrimp larvae during sunny mornings or evenings. For free-range farming, 6,000–8,000 2 cm larvae or 4,000–6,000 3–5 cm larvae per acre are typically used. Ensure that all shrimp stocked in the same pond are of similar size to avoid competition. You can also introduce small fish like silver carp (50 g each), 300–400 white storks, and 200 squid to maintain ecological balance.
III. Feeding Carefully
In the first three days after stocking, feed the shrimp with finely chopped small fish or meat. After one month, switch to trash fish, minced meat, or compound feed. When the shrimp grow to 6–7 cm, they can be fed a full diet consisting of crushed snails, coriander, vegetables like wheat bran, corn, soybean cake, or commercial feed.
Feed the shrimp twice daily—once in the morning and once in the evening. Provide 70–80% of the daily ration at night. The amount of feed should be based on consumption, ensuring no leftovers. Medium-sized shrimp should be fed 15–20% of their body weight, while larger shrimp require 5–10%. Distribute the feed evenly around the pond to ensure all shrimp can access it.
IV. Water Quality Management
Lobsters grow quickly and have high metabolic rates, so maintaining good water quality is crucial. Refill the pond with 15–20 cm of fresh water weekly to keep the water clean and oxygen-rich. Maintain a water clarity of at least 35 cm. During hot weather, increase the water depth to stabilize temperature. Avoid industrial, pesticide, or chemical pollution.
If dissolved oxygen levels drop, water becomes stale, or there are thunderstorms or cloudy weather, reduce feeding or stop temporarily. Monitor the shrimp closely—if they show signs of distress, such as floating near the shore or not responding, it may indicate low oxygen levels. In such cases, add more water or use an aerator to improve oxygenation.
V. Disease Prevention
Regularly inspect the pond for signs of illness. Observe the shrimp’s feeding habits, activity, and shell condition. Remove any algae or debris promptly. Check the inlet and outlet filters to prevent harmful organisms like worms or wild fish from entering. Keep an eye out for predators such as water rats, snakes, or birds and remove them immediately if found.
Before introducing shrimp seedlings, sterilize them to prevent disease introduction. Regularly disinfect the pond with quicklime and frequently change the water to maintain hygiene. Add vitamins to the feed to boost the shrimp’s immunity and overall health.
VI. Timely Harvesting
After about two months of feeding, when the shrimp reach 50 grams or more, they can be harvested. Use traps, cages, or nets to catch the larger ones while leaving the smaller ones to continue growing. This ensures sustainable and efficient harvesting practices.
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