A few days ago, Sanjiang Fish and Fish Farm in Lunjiao Town, Shunde City, introduced a polyculture of Xijiang fish, commonly known as bamboo sticks. These fish are prized for their delicious flesh and high nutritional value, making them popular among consumers. An agricultural park in our city is now planning to launch artificial breeding programs, aiming to produce seedlings to supply numerous fish farmers.
The term "bamboo stick" is a common name for the barb, which belongs to the genus and subfamily in taxonomy. There are two genera found in our region: the spine and the barb. Both share similar characteristics, such as a prominent snout, prefrontal position, and tight lip of the mandible. The main difference lies in the placement of the spines—on the barb, they are located in front of the dorsal fin start, while on the spines, they are not.
First, there are two species of thorns: sparse spot thorns and striped thorns. Sparse spot thorns, also known as Hua Niang or Shi Bu Mu (Wujiashan) on Hainan Island, are mainly found in Baoting County’s water systems. Striped thorns, commonly called golden flower pods, are widespread in the Yangtze River system and Hainan’s waterways. They are small freshwater fish in Guangdong, often found in rivers, ponds, and small streams. However, they are mostly prey for larger carnivorous fish and rarely used as food. Currently, no development or breeding has been reported for these two species.
Second, the barb family includes over five species in China, such as the thorn barb, barb, Yunnan barb, long thorn, and Chinese barb.
1. Thorn barbs, commonly known as green sticks or military fish, are sometimes referred to as light barbs. They have black spots on the base of their scales and black edges on their dorsal fins. Known as black-backed spines in some regions, they prefer clear waters and are omnivorous, feeding on aquatic insects and other organisms. Juveniles consume more animal-based feed. Spawning occurs from April to May, with earlier spawning in warmer southern climates. For successful breeding, specific ecological conditions must be met. Their meat is thick and flavorful, making them an important economic fish in the Beijiang, Xijiang, Lancang River, and Pearl River systems.
2. Barbs are herbivorous, feeding mainly on algae, plant debris, and insects. They mature at 3-4 years old and spawn from April to June, laying floating eggs. They grow to about one kilogram and are widely distributed in the Hunan Minjiang River, Pearl River, and Hainan Island.
3. Yunnan barbs are found in rivers and lakes in eastern Yunnan.
4. Long thorns lack hard spines on their dorsal fins and are distributed across various water systems in Taiwan.
5. Chinese barbs are bottom-dwelling, omnivorous fish that feed on animal debris, algae, and aquatic insects. They are economically important, especially in the upper and middle reaches of the Yangtze River.
Third, the development of thorn fish farming requires careful consideration. While these fish offer good market potential due to their flavor and price, several challenges need to be addressed for successful large-scale culture.
First, it's essential to properly identify the species, as many local names can cause confusion. Misidentification of fry can lead to poor results. Researchers and farmers must understand the biological traits and ecological habits of these fish.
Artificial breeding is crucial for large-scale farming. Water quality, dissolved oxygen levels, and environmental conditions must be carefully controlled. Cultivation environments like ponds should be close to natural water sources, such as rivers or reservoirs. Factors like feed quality, stocking density, and water temperature greatly influence growth rates.
Research into artificial breeding is still limited, and only a few species have been successfully bred. Relying solely on wild seedlings is impractical for expansion. Additionally, sexual maturity between males and females is not synchronized, so hormonal stimulation may be needed to ensure consistent spawning.
Different species of thorns have varying sizes, habitats, and market potential. Some are too small to be considered for commercial use. Based on current data, the most promising species for aquaculture are thorn barbs, barbs, and Chinese barbs. Before large-scale farming, community trials and intermediate tests are recommended to avoid costly mistakes. Rushing into mass production without proper preparation can lead to unsatisfactory outcomes.
Henan chinamian foods CO.LTD , https://www.ooossooo.com