FISH CULTURE IN PONDS

Extension Bulletin No. 103

Fisheries Series No 4
Published By
National Agricultural Extension And Research Liaison Services
Federal Ministry of Agricultural and Natural Resources
Ahmadu Bello University
P.M.B. 1067, Zaria
Nigeria.
1999
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Relevant scientiIic inIormation pooled together Ior this bulletin were
sourced mainly Irom the National Institute For Freshwater Fisheries Research
(NIFFR) NewBussa, special thanks go to NIFFR`s Ior assistance in providing
the needed results oI their research work. Other authors indexed in the
bibliography are greatly acknowledged.
The support oI the Director and Management oI NAERLS, the
painstaking work oI the Publication Review Committee oI NAERLS, and the
eIIorts oI the Publication and Publicity Programme all combined made this
bulletin production possible.
Bolorunduro P.I.
TABLE OF CONTENT
Acknowldgment................................................................ 2
Table oI Contents............................................................... 3
1.0 Introduction........................................................................ 4
2.0. Pond Culture Systems........................................................ 4
2.1. Construction design.............................................. 4
2.2. Level oI Management Input.................................. 8
2.3. Fish culture practices............................................ 8
2.4. Scale oI production............................................... 10
3.0. Commonly cultured Iish species...................................... 10
4.0. Site Selection.................................................................... 13
4.1. Homestead Fish pond............................................ 13
4.2. Commercial Fish Farm.......................................... 13
5.0. Land survey and Iish Iarm design..................................... 15
6.0. Hints on pond construction.............................................. 16
7.0. Pond Fertilization.............................................................. 17
8.0. Stocking............................................................................ 18
9.0. Liming Practices............................................................... 21
10.0. Feeding pond Iish............................................................. 24
11.0. Control oI diseases/predators.......................................... 26
12.0. Cropping/Harvesting pond Iish........................................ 28
13.0. Keepng Iarm records....................................................... 29
Bibliography...................................................................... 31
2
1.0. Introduction
Fish culture involves the controlled cultivation and harvesting oI Iish Ior either
Iamily consumption or sales in the market. Although Iish culture is over thirty
years old in Nigeria, it is yet to develop relatively when compared with arable
agriculture and livestock production.
Awide range oI practices exist in culturing Iish. Fish can be cultured in marine
(sea water), brackish (mixture oI sea and Ireshwater i.e. lagoons) or Ireshwater
(rivers, streams and lakes in the inland), Depending on the Iacilities designed
to serve as enclosures in rearing, Iish can be grown in earthen ponds, concrete
tanks, cages, pens, or run-ways. The level oI mangement practices can make a
Iish Iarm to be extensive or intensive system. When species combinations are
taken into consideration, culture systems can be either monoculture (rearing
only one type oI Iish) or polyculture (rearing two or more species oI Iish
together).
AIish pond is an enclosure (earthen or concrete) built to retain water Ior the
purpose oI growing Iish. Wooden troughs, Iibre glass and plastic tanks are
other media oI growing Iish. Growing Iish in ponds Irom which they cannot
escape allows Ieeding, breeding, growing and harvesting oI the Iish in a well-
planned way.
2.0. PONDCULTURESYSTEMS
Fish ponds can be classiIied mainly using the Iollowing criteria:-
(a) Construction design
(b) Level oI management input
(c) Fish culture practices
(d) Scale oI production
2.1. Construction Design
1. Earthen Ponds: These are constructed by digging soil in a
careIully selected site that is good enough to retain water Ior
Iish culture. (Figure 1a) Where the soil structure is weak to
retain adequate water, dug out earthen ponds can be reinIorced
with concrete to make it suitable Ior Iishculture.
3
2. Conrete/Embarkment Ponds: These are pond constructed on
the ground, that is above the ground surIace with concrete wall
(Fig. 1b). Concrete ponds can be used to raise Iish in a place
with porous or sandy soil or within living premises.
3. Barrage Ponds: This is a type oI pond constructed by
building a wall across a stream running in a low valley. The
wall ensures enoughwater retention Ior Iish growth (Fig. 1c)
4. Diversion Ponds: Ponds supplied by water diverted Irom a
river/stream through a channel are called diversion ponds.
Such pond, is also known as RelieI Pond (Fig. 1d)
5. Rosary Ponds: These are ponds built in a string and each
drains into the other and are all managed as a single unit due to
their water connection.
6. Parallel Ponds: These are ponds located in an area with each
having its own inlet and outlet. (Fig. 1I).
Figure 1a: Earthen Ponds
4
5










Fig 1b: Concrete Ponds
Fig 1c: Barrage Ponds
Fig 1d: Diversion Ponds
6
Fig 1f: Barrage Ponds
Fig 1e: Rosary System Ponds
7
2.2. Level of Management Input
Depending on the level oI management inputs, especially in Ieeding,
Iertilization and liming, pond culture systems can be classiIied as Extensive,
Semi-Intensive or Intensive.
1. Extensive Culture System: When Iood base in a pond is
exclusively naturally occcuring without supplementation ( either by Ieeds or
Iertilizer), the culture system is an extensive one. This practice is popular with
small-scale producers
2. Semi-Intensive Culture System In this system, there is
occasional supplementary Ieeds addition and natural productivity is
augumented with manures.
3. Intensive Culture System This demands a higher level oI
management input. Feeds and Iertilizers are intensively applied Iollowing
appropriate recommended rates. Suitable liming materials like agricultural
lime are also applied to stimulate productivity and disinIect the pond oI
parasite and diseases. Fish grow very Iast when intensively managed and
grow least in extensive management. Most commerical Iarms adopt this
approach.
4 Hyper intesive culture system: Th system demands the highest leel oI
management inpouts. Ths culture environment is completely under control.
Feeding is totally with highly Iormulated pellets. Mechanical, and automoted
Ieeders are used. The main Ieatures are intensive recyclatory with bioIiltration
tanks. Highest Iish yield obtained in this system.
2.2 Fish Culture Practices
Pond can be classiIied as monoculture or polyculture.
1. Monoculture: This is the practice oI culturingonly one species oI Iish
in a pond unit (Fig. 2a). Under monoculture, a Iarmer may growonly Clarias
in the pond. He will be able to know more about the management oI Clarias
than other Iish species.
8























2. Polyculture: This is the practice oI culturing more than one species oI Iish
in the same pond. Fish yield under polyculture (Fig. 2b) can be higher and
Ioods in the pond properly utilized, since the diIIerent Iish species exploit
Iood at diIIerent trophic levels.
2.4. Scale of Production
1. Homestead/Rackyard Ponds: This is a Iish pond that is managed to
augument Iamily protein intake. The size oI such a pond could vary according
toland space available e.g. 10m x 10m.
2. Commercial Fish Ponds/Farms: This , usually have an area oI land not less
than 0.25 hectare under culture. Such a Iarm will demand more attention Irom
the Iish Iarmer, since income generation is the major purpose behind its
2
establishment. Concrete tanks units oI not less than 200m can also be intensive
as commercial ventures.
3.0. COMMONLYCULTUREDFISH SPECIES
Generally the purpose oI rearing Iish is to have enough to eat and generate
additional income especially in commercial Iarms. Not all Iish species
perIorm creditably well in culture. For a proIitable venture, the Iish Iarmer`s
ideal candidate species must have either oI these qualities:-
i. Fast grower e.g. Heterobranchus
ii. Accept and utilize properly, supplementaryIeeds e.g. Tilapia
iii. Must be hardy and resistance todisease, e.g. Clarias
iv. Must be tolerant to poor water quality e.g. Clarias
v. The Iish must be easy to breedincaptivity. E.g. Tilapia
vi. It must attract lowproduction cost (Tilapia/Clarias)
vii. Acceptable and marketable to consumers, e.g. CarpClarias.
9
10
TABLE:1 Commonly Cultured Fish Species in Freshwater Ponds in Nigeria
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME
Tilapia*
Mud Cat-Iish*
Common Carp*
Spotted Cat-Iish**
Red mud cat-Iish**
Niger perch * *
AIrican bony tongue* *
Grey cat-Iish* *
Trunk-Iish* *
AIrican Carp* *
Moon Iish* *
Cat-Iish* *
Oreochromis niloticus (Tilapia nilotica)
Tilapia guineensis
Tilapia melanopleura
Sarotherodon galilaeus
Clarias (garinpinus)
Cyprinus Carpio
Synodontis filamentosus
Heterobranchus bi-dorsalis
Lates niloticus
Heterotis niloticus
Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus
Gymnarchus niloticus
Bagrus bayad
Labeo coubie
Citharinus citerus
Irom the

Fingerlings readily available in hatcheries

Fingerlings not readily available in hatcheries, but can be collected
Irom the wild.
Source Ita E,O, 1989.
TABLE 2: Commonly Cultured Fish Species in Brackish Water
Ponds
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME
Flat head grey mullet *
Tilapia*
Atlantic Tarpon * *
Ten Pounder * *
(West AIrican Lady Iish)
Grey Cat-Iish * *
AIrican red Snapper **
Mugil cephalus
Tilapia Zilli
Tilapia guinensis
Tilapia melanotheron
Megalops atlanticus
Elops lacerta
Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus
Lutfanus agennes
Fingerlings and Ieeds readily available
Fingerlings not readily available in hatcheries but can
be obtained Irom the wild.

Source - Ita E.O. 1989.
In Nigeria, certain Iish species are Iound only in Ireshwater bodies (that is
rivers and lakes) and do very well under culture (Plate 1). Some other species
inhabit the marine environment, but can be cultured in brackish water
(Lagoons and estuaries) (Plate 2).
11
Plate 1.Fresh water fish species.
Plate 2. Brackish water fish species
4.0. SITESELECTION
4.1. Homestead Fish Pond For homestead Iish culture, the house
backyard is suitable. (Fig. 3). Earthen/Concrete pond can be used Ior this
purpose. Soil at site oI the earthen pond should be able to retain water.
4.2. Commercial Fish Farm In commercial Iish Iarming, the Iirst
requirement is the choice oI a suitable land Ior the establishment oI the Iarm.
Such a land must be sited near water with suitable topography Ior pond
construction (Fig. 4). The water source can be river/stream, spring, well or
borehole. The water must be Iree Irom pollutants. Water is the medium Ior
culturing Iish; as a result the supply oI water must be guaranteed throughout
the culture period. The topography oI the land should not be too hilly or too
Ilat. Aslightly depressed marshy land that can retain water Ior a long time is
ideal Ior pond construction.
12
13




Fig 4. Atypical fish pond in farmland.
Soils that are too porous (sandy soil) or too clayey are not good Ior Iish culture.
In sandy soils, the water retention capacity is very low, while pond soil with
high proportion oI clay (above 40 composition) will be turbid
(concentration oI suspended solids). This is dangerous Ior Iish. Asuitable
soil is that which has a good proportion oI clay and loam (i.e. 40:60)
simple test oI soil Ior water retentionincludes the Iollowing:-
1. Dig the soil to about 10cm deep and take a soil sample at that depth. Wet a
handIul oI the earth with water and rub it on the palms. II it Iorms a continuous
thread, then it can retain water and is good Ior Iish pond construction(Fig. 5).
2. Squeeze a little amount oI the moist soil, iI it holds shape, them it is good
and suitable Ior pond (Fig. 5).
3. A bucket Iull oI water can also be poured into the dug hole. II the
percolation rate (rate oI disappearance oI the water) is Iast, (i.e. within 1min)
the site is not good enough Ior Iish pond construction.
Soil experts can also be consulted Ior analysis in case oI large scale Iarming
with huge capital investment.
Fig 5. Testing good sol Ior Pond Construction
5.0. LANDSURVEYANDFISH FARM DESIGN
Once a suitable land has been acquired, it should be surveyed by a
registered surveyor and a topographic map produced to permit the design oI
Iishponds and other structures.
The design oI a Iish Iarm varies with the nature oI the land. II the slope
is gentle enough (a good valley oI 1:2 slope) to permit chanelling oI water
Irom the stream or river into the Iarm, the construction oI a storage reservoir
may not be necessary. In most gentle sloping valleys, channelization may not
be practicable hence it might be necessary to block the course oI water in order
to raise the water level. This is to permit diversion oI water into ponds lined
along (parallel to) the course oI the river or stream. Such a dam may not
necessarily Iorm a stroage reservoir suitable Ior Iish production because oI the
Iast Ilowing nature oI the river during the Ilood season and the diIIiculty oI
screening oII the Iish.
14
Fig 6. Small vallyes with gentle slope have excellent potential Ior pond
construction
6.0. HINTS ONPONDCONSTRUCTION
AIter conducting a Ieasibility study and planning on the type and size
oI pond to build on the site selected, construction work can start (reIer to
NAERLS Bulletin Fish Pond Site Selection and Construction Ior details).
Depending on the nature oI the surrounding land, the construction could be
manual or mechanical. In marshy lands, the use oI heavy aquipment is not
advisable. The is due to the risks and diIIiculties oI using such equipment in
those kinds oI terrain. Construction oI a large Iarm may require the services oI
an Aquaculture Engineer or aTechnical expert Irom anyFisheries institution.
The main parts oI any Iish pond to be constructed are the dam walls
(dikes), the water inlet and outlet system (Fig.7). Pond dikes must be well
compacted to prevent leakages. Concrete ponds are preIerable in areas where
the soil is too sandy Ior earthen ponds or enough land is not available or the
pond is required within the living premises. Cost oI construction oI concrete
ponds vary with the size oI pond, location, availability and cost oI labour,
source oI water and cost oI inputs such as cements, sand, gravel, plastic pipes,
solid blocks, etc.
15
7.0. PONDFERTILIZATION
Two types oI Iertilizers can be used Ior pond Iish culture. These are
organic manures and inorganic or agricultural Iertilizers. Application rates oI
these Iertilizers are shown in Table 3.
Fertilizer helps in enriching water nutrients Ior plankton production on which
Iish Ieed. There should be regular application oI Iertilizer to keep the water
colour green. Bright green colour incates that the pond is Iertile (rich in
organic nutrients).Deep green colour oI ponds water indicates over Iertility. A
Iarmier should guide against excessive Iertilizer/manure application. To
avoid depletion oI dissolved oxygen in pond water The consequence oI such
is massive Iish death.
16
8.0. STOCKING
Stocking is the introduction oI Iish (Iingerlings or adult Iish) into the newpond
environment. Two sources oI stocking are possible. Fish can be collected
Irom the wild (rivers, streams, lakes, etc) or Irom hatcheries/existing Iish
ponds where Iish are already adapted to culture condition. The closer the
source oI getting the Iish to the pond, the better; to reduce to the bearest
minimum Iish mortality during transportation. Fish should be collected with
the water oI the environment they have been used to. Hardy Iish species like
Clarias and Hetero branchus can be transported in plastic basins over a short
and Iair distance (Fig. 8). For longer distances, Iish Iingerlings should be
transportedin polythene bags containing water and oxygen(Fig. 9).
17
TABLE 3: Recommended Fertilizer Application Rate in Ponds
FERTLZER TYPE APPPLCATON
RATE
COMMENTS
ORGANC
1.

Cow Manure
2.

Poultry Manure
3.

Pig Manure
NORGANC
1.

Basic slag (15% of
P
2
0
5
)
2.

Triple Super
Phosphate (T.S.P)
3.

Ammonium Sulphate
(A.S.)
4. Mixture of TSP and
A.S.
500kg/ha/month
112-224kg/ha/wk
560-1680kg/ha/week
36kg/ha/month
60kg/ha/month
300-400kg/ha/month
133-238kg/ha/month
3,000kg/ha to be applied to bottom
of new ponds before filling, if
possible.
Or 1,000 ducks per ha. n combined
culture or 350 layers per ha.
Or 100 pigs/ha at ratio of 1:3 males
to females in combined culture.
To be applied one week after
application of lime.
Applied twice monthly
Applied twice monthly
To be applied monthly for four
months
Source - ta E. O. 1989.
Figure 8. Containers for fish transportation
Fig 9. Polythene bag filled with water and oxygen used for fish
transportation
Test stocking (pre-stocking) should be practised by introducing Iew
Iish intothe newenvironment. Test stocking period range Irom two days to
18
one week. II the Iish survive well, thenthe pond can be Iully stocked.
Recommended stocking rate oI Iish (ratio oI one species to another or
male to Iemale) and stocking density (number oI Iish per square metre oI pond
water) to avoid over-crowding, should be practised. This will ease
management problems and enhance the success oI the Iish culture. Some
combination oI Iish under culture in Nigeria are shown in Table 4.
19

TABLE 4: Species Combination and Recommended Stocking Rates (Fingerlings) per
hectare.


Freshwater

Brackish Water

1.

MONOCULTURE

Tilapia spp.

Clarias (mudIish)

Heterotis

Carp

Migil species

Grey Cat Iish


10,000 - 20,000

3,000 - 5,000


500 - 1,000

3,000 - 6,000


-

7,000 - 8,000


10,000 - 20,000


-


-


-

10,000 - 20,000


-

2.

POLYCULTURE

Tilapia Carp

Tilapia Clarias

Tilapia Tarpon

Tilapia Mulet

Tilapia Mugil

Tilapia Mugil

Grey Cat Fish


2,000 3,0002500

40,000- 6,600


-


-


-


-


-



-


-

6,000 4,500

8,000 10.000

10,000 10,000


10,000 2,5001,000


Source: DFRRI 1988 Note stocking density can be quite higher under intensive recycling
system



9.0. LIMING PRACTICES
(a) What is Liming?
Liming is the process oI application oI agricultural/industrial limes to
Iish ponds. II pond soils/or water are not acidic, liming may not be
necessary. Soil and water may be tested in a laboratory or with a water
analysis kit to determine whether liming is required.
(b) Why Should APond Be Limed?
Liming oI Iish ponds is important Ior the Iollowingreasons:-
1. Lime corrects the acidity oI pond water to the suitable PHrange(Hydrogen
Ion Concentration). AoI 5 9 is considered suitable Ior Iish gro
2. Lime makes available phosphorus added in Iertilizer Ior plant use.
Phosphorus promotes the growth oI algae (the microscopic plants) which
are the base oI natural Iish Iood production in ponds.
3. Lime acts as disinIectants oI pond bottom, especially in newly constructed
ponds or ponds in Iallow.
4. Lime helps in reducing water turbidity i.e. in settling soil particles in
muddyponds.
(c) How to Apply Lime
Lime can be applied to pond bottom beIore impoundment (in Iilling
with water) or to a Ilooded pond.
Pre-Impoundment Application
The Iollowing steps should be Iollowed in applying lime to a
prepared pond.
i. II lime is in lumps, break the lumps to Iine powder by matching on the
bag.
ii. Spread the lime evenly on the pond bottom (Fig. 10)
iii. Adisc harrow or rake can be used to mix the lime with the pond soil
manually.
20
Precaution
1. Wear protective clothes and shoes (preIerably rain boots) in applying
lime to pond bottom.
2. As much as possible, avoid inhaling the lime dust. This is dangerous to
health.
3. AIter application, take a bath.
Post-Impoundment Application.
II the pond is already inIilled with water, then take the Iollowing steps.
1. Tie the mouth oI the sack containing the lime material.
2. Tie the bag to a pole and allow the lime to sip Ireely into water (Fig.
11).
3. AIter about 48 hours (2 days) retrieve the sack Irom the pond. By this
time, the lime material must have sipped completely into the pond.
21
(d) Liming Materials Good For Fish Ponds
These include:-
1. Limestone/Agricultural lime CaCO
3
2. Caustic/slacked or hydrated lime - Ca(OH)
2
3. Quicklime CaO
Agricultural lime is the best liming material Ior Iish pond. It is also the
cheapest and readily available. They are by-products oI cement Iactories and
can be obtained Irom such places.
(e) Liming Rates
The recommended liming rate using agricultural lime is shown belowin Table
5.
22
23
10.0. FEEDING OF POND FISH
Fish Ieed on a variety oI Ioods. These include Iood produced Irom the natural
pond environment and Ieeds given as supplement tothe pond.
(a) Natural Fish Foods
Living organisms are natural Iish Ioods and they are produced in the water
where the Iish live. Phytoplankton (microscopic plants), zooplankton
(microscopic animals), and large aquatic organisms like insects, crustacea,
molluscs, and aguatic plants are all examples oI natural Ioods (Fig. 12)
Fertilizationincreases their abundance..
Fig 12. Lager aquatic organisms consumed by fish
TABLE 5: LIMING RATES OF POND USINGAGRICULTURAL LIME
SOIL TYPE NEW PONDS OLD PONDS
1. Clay soil 1680 - 2240kg/ha/year 1120kg/ha/year
2. Sandy soil 1120 - 1680kg/ha/year 560 - 1120kg/ha/year
Source: DFRRI (1988)
24
(b)Supplementary Feeds
When natural Ioods are not availanble in suIIicient quantity to provide
adequate nutrition Ior Iish growth, Ieeds that are manuIactured or grown
outside oI the Iish pond may be Ied at regular intervals (daily, weekly, etc).
These Ieeds supplement natural Ioods. Supplementary Ieeds should include
Iinely divided artiIiciel Iood like egg yoke, bloodmeal, Iish meal, shrimp
Ilour, bean Ilour, oil cakes, bone meals, cereal brans, etc. Adult Iish preIer
Ieeds available in pellet Iorm. Sinking pellets are more suitable to bottom
Ieeders like Clarias and Heterotis spp., while Ior Tilapia, Iloating pellets are
suitable. Pelleted Ieed oI not more than 3.2mm in diameter is suitable Ior Iish
species. It is recommended to Ieed Iish with pellets since the whole nutrients
in the Iood will be readily taken by the Iish. Good quality Ieed Ior Iish
Iarmingpurpose should have the Iollowing proximate composition.
- Protein - 35
- Minerals andVitamins 32 33
- Fat - 11
- Carbohydrate 6 - 10
Feed ingredients should be Iree oI toxicants, e.g. Haemagglutinins in raw
soyabeans and Gossypol in cotton seed meal. These toxicants can be removed
by roasting the Ieed stuIIing redients. The Iollowing are hints Ior Ieeding Iish
inponds:
1. In polyculture, the Ieeding habits oI Iish species stocked should be
considered. A combination oI species like Tillapia, Clarias and
Heterotis in the same pond will require sinking and Iloating
pellets/crushed meals.
2. Feed Iish at deIinite points in the pond. This will make the Iish to
respond more to Ieeding spots.
3. Feed Iish on daily basis best times are morning beIore 7.00 am and
evening around 6.00pm. Irregular Ieeding will retard the growth rate
oI Iish.
4. Avoid overstocking oI pond with Ieeds. Overstockingcanresult
in water pollution and death oI Iish. Feed Iish according to the recommended
rates.
The recommended Ieed Iormular in preparing varying percentages oI rich
protein Ieeds is as shown in Table 6.
11.0 CONTROLOF DISEASES AND PREDATORS
(a) Common Fish Diseases
Fish diseases are caused mostly by Iish parasites.
Maintaining a hygienic pond environment is the best
preventive method oI checking diseases outbreak. Diseases
can occur in Iish pond due to:-
1. Overcrowding, i.e. high density stocking.
2. Poor water quality resulting in Iish kill
3. Erratic Ieeding practices. Starved Iish are highly
susceptible to diseases attack.
4. Intrusion oI predators into the pond. Most predators
act as intermediate host to Iish parasites.
5. Over Iertilization oI pond water leading to high density
algal bloom can reduce the amount oI dissolved
oxygen (DO), aIIecting Iish health.
25
Table 6: Feed Formulae Ior Preparing Feeds oI Various Crude Protein Levels
Using Locally Available Feed Ingredients.

Crude
Protei
n
Palm
Kenel
Cake
(kg)
Corn Bran
(kg)
Rice Bran
(kg)
Fish
Meal
(kg)
Soya
bean
Meal
(kg)
G/nut
Cake
(kg)
Total
Weigh
t (kg)
20 45.30 45.30 - 3.1 3.1 3.1 99.99
20 - 35.80 35.80 - 11.20 11.20 100.00
35 - 24.0 24.0 17.3 17.3 17.3 99.99
40 21.2 21.2 - 19.2 19.2 19.2 100.00
Source NIFFR 1989. Annual Report..
26
Broadly, diseases can be classiIied into:-
i. Bacterial andviral
ii. Fungal
iii. Protozoan
iv. Worms
v. Crustacean
vi. Environmental, and
vii. Nutritional
(A) Fish Fredators
Predators are natural enemies oI Iish. Common Iish predators that should be
prevented Irom causing Iish losses in ponds include water snakes, turtles,
Irogs, water birds (king Iisher and water duck, etc), crocodiles, crabs, etc.
Wild carnivorous Iish intruding into ponds are also predators and as such
should be prevented.
1. Ensure regular clearing oI pond site. Predators hide in bushes.
2. As much as possible, the Iarmer should Ience the pond site.
3. Most aquatic predators get into the pond through Ilood water.
Measures should be takento protect the pond Irom Iloodwater.
4. Hunt the predators, using traps or point blank killing.
Common Iish diseases, causative Iactors or agents, symptoms and treatment
recommended are highlighted in Table 7.
Fig. 13 Some common Predators oI Iish
27
Table 7: Common Fish Diseases, Causative Agents, Symptoms and Recommended Treatment
DISEASE CAUSATIVE
FACTOR/AGENT
SYMPTOMS TREATMENT
1.

Bacterial
InIectious
abdominal dropsy
(I.A.D.)
Pseudomonas Puntata Swelling oI belly Antibiotic such as
chloramphenicol. 1gm/kg oI
Ieed or 5ml injection
2.

Fungal
a)

Gill or
Branchiomyiosis
b)

Saprolegnia
inIection
Branchimyces
anguimis
Saprolegnia
Red spots on the gill
Appears as Iussy,
grey whitish
blotches on skin
Avoid dense stocking.
Remove aIIected Iish.
Isolate the Iish and treat
with CuS04 dust.
3.

Protozoan
Ichtyophthirriasis Icthyophthirius Red patches on gill
& skin
DiIIicult to treat when
parasites are in the dermis.
Drain & lime the pond.
4.

Worm Diseases
a)

Fish Leeches
b) Fish Fluke
Piscicola geomatra
Dactylogyrus vastator
Skin covered with
the leach cause
excessive weakness
Gills swells and turn
grey
Drain the pond. Put Iish in
solution oI 1m1 Lysol and
5l oI water Ior 5 seconds.
Drain the pond. Treat Iish
in salt solution oI 25gm per
litre oI water Ior 10 seconds.
5.

Disease Caused.
By Crusacean
Argutus InIection Argutus Ioliaceus The string oI the
Iish lice cause red
patches on the Iish
skin
Drain and lime pond. Treat
Iish in solution oI KMn04
or Lysol both 1gm/1tr. OI
water Ior 40 seconds.
6.

Environmental
Diseases
a)

Acidic water
b) Alkaline water
b)

Low DO
Low PH below 5
High PH above 9
Asphyxia
Fish skin covered with
whitish Iilm, gills turn
brownish. Mortality oI
Iish
Mortality oI Iish
Fish regularly come out
to gasp Ior atmospheric
air.
Mass mortality oI Iish
with wide open mouth
and gillss wide apart.
Apply 500kg oI a
CaCo
3
ha/ha oI pond.
Apply lime in a
suIIicient quantity
according to PH level.
Drain pond and change
water
Aerate the pond iI
device is available or
Ilush Iresh water by
high velocity into the
pond
7.

Nutritional
Disease
Enteritis II abdomen is pressed
lightly a yeloow-red
liquid Ilows Irom the
anus Intestine is red
congested and highly
inIlamed
Use balance diet Ied
with high proportion oI
protein or vitamin to
correct nutritional
deIiciency.
12.0. CROPPING (HARVESTING) PONDFISH
In Iish pond culture system, three types oI cropping are practised in
routine management.
(a) Test cropping
(b) Partial harvest
(c) Total pond harvest
(A) Test Croping: Fish pond should be test cropped routinely to
monitor Iish growth and health. AIter examination, test cropped Iish
should be returned to the pond water. Ascoop net is suitable Ior test
cropping (Fig. 14). Wounding gears e.g Gull not should not e used Ior
test harvesting.
Figure 14 - AScoope Net for Test Harvesting

(B) Partial Harvesting When diIIerent age group oI the same Iish species or
diIIerent species combination are reared together in pond, the Iish are bound to
mature to table sizes at diIIerent times. Partial harvest oI pond should be done
with appropriate mesh size. Matured Iish can be selected Ior market sale or
Iamily consumption while undersized ones should be returned to the pond.
Periodical harvesting oI pond Iish enables a Iarmer to generate revenue
periodically. Drawnet is most suitable Ior harvesting pond Iish.
28
(C) Total Harvest: Ponds that have been used to rear Iish Ior over 10 years
can be totally drained and the whole Iish harvested. Total pond harvest Irom
management point oI view can be carried out at the end oI a production cycle
or in cases oI emergency like diseases outbreak. ADraw Net or Drag Net is
most suitable Ior total cropping oI pond Iish. (Fig. 15). Nets should be
cleaned and spread in the sun to dry aIter each harvesting operation. This is to
preserve andprolong their operational liIe span.
Figure 15 - Nets are Irequenclyused toharvest ponds
13.0. KEEPING FARMRECORDS
It is important Ior prospective Iish Iarmers to keep record oI events and
statement oI expenditures and income throughout the production cycle oI
the Iish pond.
29
(a) The Log Book This should contain inIormation on the Iollowing:-
1. Location oI Iish pond
2. Nature oI soil at site
3. Pond ownership type (whether private, cooperative/communal)
4. Pond area and depth
5. Sources oI water supply
6. Date oI commencement oI construction
7. Date oI completion oI construction
8. Thickness oI dam wall
9. Agricultural/Economic activities practisedaround
10. Date oI pond impoundment
11. Sources oI Fingerlings/breeders
12. Stocking rate
13. Species oI Iish stocked
14. Date oI stocking
15. Water analysis result (where possible)
16. Fertilizers applied/Iertilization practice
17. Limes/liming practices
18. SupplementaryIeeds applied, includingsources and Iorms (i.e.
pellets or grounded).
19. Water management practices
20. Diseases identiIied
21. Record oI Iish mortality
22. StaII strength on Iarm
23. Number oI days oI contact with advisors, i.e. Extension/Research
staII.
(B) Total Expenditure This includes cost.
i. Fixed Cost
1. Land
2. Pumps/Tanks and Iarm equipment
3. Farm structures
4. Brood stocks.
30
ii. Variable Cost
1. Fish seed
2. Fertilizers
3. Limes
4. Feeds
5. Labour/maintenance
6. Medication
7. Transportation
8. Consultancy
(c) Income Statement
Income projection/record can be conclusive aIter harvest. Financial analysis
Ior project proIitability can be easily arrived at with proper records oI
expenditure and income.
For details on proIitability estimation, reIer to NAERLS Extension Bulletin
No 107, Economics oI Aquaculture Production.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Annual Report 1989. National Institute Ior Freshwater Fisheries Research,
NewBussa, Nigeria 45p
Bard. J.P., et. al. 1976. Hand Book oI Tropical Fish Culture. Centre
Technique Iorestier Tropical, France 165p.
Ita E.O. 1980. Principles and practices oI integrated commercial Iish Iarming
in Nigeria. Technical report series No. 19, National Institute Ior
Freshwater Freshwater Fisheries Research, NewBussa.
Viveen W.J.A., et. al. 1986. Practical manual Ior the Culture oI AIrican
CatIish (Clarias gariepinus) 93P.
31