The white-spotted fish, also known as the white pike, is highly valued for its rapid growth, firm and stable flesh, and delicious flavor. It has gained popularity among consumers, with an average price of RMB 80 per kilogram in dried form. Due to high demand, there is currently a shortage in the market. Beyond its culinary value, this species is also prized for its ornamental appeal, which has led to it being referred to as "soft gold" in Central Asian countries. In recent years, as living standards have improved and economic fish species have been more widely developed and promoted in Xinjiang, the cultivation of white pike has become increasingly popular.
From 2007 to 2008, we conducted experimental pond breeding in Dinggou Village, Tashan Town, and achieved significant economic returns. Below is a detailed summary of the methods and results.
**First, Materials and Methods**
1. **Pond Preparation**: The ponds should be between 5 to 8 acres in size and 2 meters deep. They must have a reliable water supply, good drainage, and irrigation systems. Groundwater is ideal for maintaining lower water temperatures during hot seasons. Floating plants like water lilies can be added to provide shade, and aquatic plants such as cedar seedlings can be included to offer hiding spots, reducing aggression among the fish.
2. **Seedling Stocking**: Before stocking the white-spotted fish, sufficient bait fish should be prepared. Once the fish reach 5 cm in length, they can be fed bait fish for about six days. This method involves raising bait fish in the original pond, disinfecting it before releasing the fry, and then introducing the 5 cm-sized fish after the bait fish have grown.
- **Bait Fish**: 200,000 to 300,000 water fleas (such as daphnia or copepods) should be stocked per acre, with the bait fish size being about one-half to one-third the size of the white pike.
- **Stocking Density**: 1,000 fish per mu for those over 5 cm in length.
- **Timing**: Stocking should begin from April to May when water temperature exceeds 15°C.
3. **Daily Management**:
- **Feeding**: Initially, feed 10–15 times a week. As the fish grow beyond 13–15 cm, reduce feeding frequency to every 15–20 days. During summer, stop feeding and resume once every 30 days. Regular grading and separation are necessary to prevent damage. After sorting, use 3 grams of disinfectant per cubic meter of water.
- **Water Quality Control**: Maintain water levels at 1.5 meters initially, gradually increasing to 2 meters as fish grow. In hot weather, use groundwater to keep the temperature below 28°C. Apply photosynthetic bacteria every 15 days at 2.5 kg per mu. Use biological fertilizers, EM liquid, and sediment improvers as needed to maintain clear, oxygen-rich water (dissolved oxygen above 5 mg/L).
- **Disease Prevention**: White pike are generally resistant to disease, but if bacterial gill disease occurs, treat with 0.3 mg/L of chlorinated compounds for two consecutive days. Regularly apply quicklime (15–20 kg per mu) for disinfection. During summer, disinfect nets with 0.2 mg/L of chlorine and ensure water remains cool.
- **Wintering**: Since white pike continue feeding during winter, it's important to stock enough bait fish in the wintering pool to prevent cannibalism and improve survival rates.
**Second, Results**
In 2007, 5,000 large white-spotted fish were stocked, resulting in 1,580 kg of commercial fish harvested, with an average weight of 0.6 kg per fish. Total revenue reached 121,000 yuan, with a survival rate of 52.6%.
In 2008, 70 acres were used for pike farming, with 97,000 fish stocked. A total of 25,724 kg of fish were sold, averaging 0.85 kg per fish. The survival rate was 31.2%.
**Third, Summary**
1. Water temperature significantly affects survival, cost, and growth cycle. When it exceeds 24°C, fish become more aggressive, leading to injuries. Measures like increasing water depth or using shade structures can help manage this.
2. Pike are sensitive to low dissolved oxygen levels. Therefore, stocking density should be adjusted, and probiotics like photosynthetic bacteria should be used regularly to maintain water quality. Avoid excessive fertilization and ensure good water circulation.
3. The main bait fish include small carp, grass carp, and wild fish. Before feeding, check for pathogens and disinfect with salt water (3–5%) to prevent disease transmission. The ideal bait size is one-third of the pike’s body length, with daily feeding based on approximately 5% of their body weight.
4. To avoid stress and injury during transport, gradually adjust water temperature. Overstocking can lead to aggression, so proper grading and density control are essential to ensure healthy fish populations.
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