What fish is best to breed in an artificial pond: types, characteristics

Fish

Fishing on your own property is a dream for many nature lovers. An artificial pond has both practical and decorative value. You can always enjoy freshly caught fish and admire the pond's inhabitants in the tranquility of nature.

Fish species suitable for breeding in artificial reservoirs

When deciding which fish is best to breed in artificial reservoirs, several factors should be taken into account:

climatic conditions of the territory;
main characteristics of the fish breed;
Breeding nuances specific to each individual fish species.

Below are the main characteristics of the most popular fish species intended for breeding in artificial reservoirs and their photographs are presented.

Carp

This fish species is one of the most undemanding. Carp easily tolerate changes in food and water chemistry. This fish is very thermophilic. The optimal temperature for carp to thrive and reproduce is 18-30°C.

The onset of carp sexual maturity depends on the temperature. In a warm climate, typical of the southern region, this fish species will reach sexual maturity much sooner – in the 2nd or 3rd year. However, in a temperate and cool region, it will take a while: carp will not reach sexual maturity until the 4th or 5th year.

Interesting!

Male carp reach sexual maturity earlier than females.

Female carp spawn mainly near the shore, and the favorable water temperature for this is 17-20 C.

Carp feed on:

bloodworm;
mollusks;
plant foods;
small plankton.

Carp grow for a relatively short time. In three years, they gain up to 1 kg in weight, but under favorable conditions cultivation can reach 2 kg. The ideal place for growing this type of fish is a shallow, warm pond. One of the species that is chosen forfish farming for business purposesis precisely the carp.

Crucian carp

A relatively unpretentious fish species, it can thrive even in water with unfavorable chemical compositions. Crucian carp can easily tolerate low oxygen levels or high water acidity. It grows up to 3 kg and spawns at two-week intervals. This fish feeds on both animal and plant matter.

White Amur

This fish species is very large, reaching weights of up to 50 kg. White Amur grow up to 1 m in length. Water temperature is the main factor determining the growth and development of this fish. Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) are the limit at which white Amur cease to grow and develop. White Amur feed on plant matter. Sexual maturity in this species occurs at 7-8 years for males and 8-9 years for females.

Silver carp

This large fish can weigh up to 50 kg. Silver carp feed exclusively on plant matter and do not accept artificial feed. Bighead carp, however, are an exception and feed on artificial feed. Silver carp reach sexual maturity at 3-7 years, while bighead carp reach sexual maturity at 4-8 years.

Sturgeons

There are different types of this fish. Some adapt to different growing conditions. The optimal water temperature is 15-25 C. Some individuals sturgeon can reach 80 kg. They feed on animal food.

Trout

This type of fish is better grow in water with a relatively low temperature (16-18 C). This fish feeds on animal food. Sexual maturity occurs at 2-3 years.

The following types of fish can also be bred in artificial reservoirs:

Buffalo;
Catfish;
Acne;
Tilapia;
Pike;
Peled;
Chir;
Tench.

Pond requirements

In order to get a rich catch pond must meet certain requirements.

The depth of the reservoir should be from 1.2 to 1.5 m.
The pond volume should be calculated as follows: at least 50 liters of water per 10-15 cm fish. This figure is for small fish. If larger species are being raised, the volume should be larger.
The bottom and walls of the pond must be well leveled and compacted. Additionally, the bottom is covered with cement.
The pond's bottom is covered with a special film and old car inner tubes. Old pots and pipes are also added.
The walls and bottom of the pond must be constructed of the correct, fish-safe material. There are special coatings for artificial ponds. Sand and gravel are placed on the bottom of the pond.
When creating a pond, it's essential to add underwater vegetation. This will ensure comfortable conditions for the fish and provide additional food.
Spring, artesian, well, and tap water are suitable for filling the reservoir.
The acidity level should be 7-8 pH.
Maintaining the correct temperature is important. When introducing fish to a pond, the pond temperature should be the same as the water temperature in which the fish were transported. This will prevent thermal shock.
It is possible to breed fish both in artificial reservoirs with running water and in closed water supply systems.

You can watch step-by-step instructions on how to create an artificial pond in this video.

https://youtu.be/Zuqf2sPEFAw

Breeding methods

There are several ways to breed fish.

The first method involves raising fish solely from the food available in the pond. This method is inexpensive.
The second method of breeding involves additional feeding of the fish and creating the necessary conditions for this in the reservoir.

Breeding Features

If you know the basic features of fish farming in an artificial pond, then this task does not present any particular difficulties.

It's important to choose the right fish species for your pond. The most popular and best fish for farming is carp. It's easy to feed, adapts easily, and gains weight quickly. Crucian carp is also popular.

Another important aspect of fish farming is maintaining optimal pond temperatures. The pond temperature should be between 24-26°C (75-80°F). Warmer or cooler water can inhibit the fish's vital functions, which can subsequently hinder their growth and development. Certain fish species, such as rainbow trout, are exceptions.

It's also necessary to manage the pond's population. Otherwise, an overabundance of individuals in one area can lead to competition for food. This, in turn, will lead to the death of some fish. Periodic catching of individuals in the pond is necessary.