Grass carp is a common freshwater fish, and many people raise it in their ponds. If you want to raise grass carp, when is the best time to release grass carp fry ? Let's find out below.
When is the best time to release grass carp fry?
The best time to release grass carp fry is around March or April in spring. They can also be released in July or August. However, spring is generally considered the best time because the climate is mild and humid, and the water temperature is suitable, which is very beneficial for the growth and development of grass carp.
Precautions for releasing grass carp fry
1. Pond cleaning and disinfection
After the pond has been thoroughly dried in the sun, dry-spread quicklime (100-200 kg/mu) over the entire pond to adjust the pH at the bottom and kill bacteria and insect eggs. The pond can be filled with water 7 days after quicklime disinfection, with a water depth of at least 1.5 meters.
2. Remove unwanted fish
Before stocking the fish, it is essential to thoroughly remove any unwanted fish from the pond. This step can be done in conjunction with pond disinfection. If unwanted fish are not properly removed, an excess of them after the fish fry are released will negatively impact the fish's growth rate and feed utilization.
3. Release test fish
Before releasing the fry into the pond, a small number of fry should be placed in the pond at least one day in advance to test the water. The test fish are usually placed in small net cages. After 24 hours, it can be confirmed that there are no problems before releasing the fry into the pond in batches.
4. Suitable weather
Bad weather greatly affects the survival rate of fish fry released into the pond. Normally, it is best to avoid rainy days and hot, humid weather, and instead release the fish fry on sunny mornings or forenoons.
5. Oxygenation measures
To improve the survival rate of fish fry after stocking, anti-stress medications such as multivitamins and vitamin C should be administered to the water before or after stocking. Additionally, the aerators in the pond should be turned on at least one hour before stocking and turned off after the fish have stabilized.
6. Disinfection of fish fry
The common method is to soak the fish in a 3-5% coarse salt solution for 10-15 minutes before releasing them into the pond. After releasing them into the pond, apply a bactericidal drug to the water the next day or after the fish have recovered to prevent the fish fry from being infected with pathogens due to abrasions during transportation.
