VIRTUAL TOUR - FRESHWATER FARM

Larvae in early stages of their development are very susceptible to solar radiation. Hence, their rearing tanks must be placed under a roof, or covered (at least partly). Feeding of the larvae commences when their air bladders become filled with air. This can be noticed as the larvae begin to swim towards the water surface. If feeding at this point is delayed, the larvae will not learn to take the food and high mortalities are likely to happen. It should be remembered that fish larvae commence active feeding before the yolk sac is absorbed. Starving larvae are dark in colour and have abnormally big heads due to excessive emaciation of their bodies. It is in the interest of the trout farmers to comply with the recommendations of the feed producer in order to produce healthy high quality fish. Dry feeds should be carefully spread over the water surface, while wet feeds are given in form of small particles diluted in water. Properly prepared feeds should remain suspended in the whole water volume, resembling natural food. Larvae rearing tanks should be cleaned every day removing food remnants, faeces and any dead fish.

Grow out of fish to market represents the last phase of the entire production cycle. The risks in this phase are smaller than in other stages because the fish are established and have resistance to diseases, parasites and adverse environmental conditions. The farmer carefully plans his activities and complies with the established principles of fish culture. Fish stocked in one pond, should be of the same size. Numbers and weight of the stocked fish must be known.