Milkfish Cultivation for Beginners

Milkfish is one type of fish that has a fairly high economic value. This is because milkfish cultivation is very easy to do, even for beginners. Milkfish production can continuously meet market needs and consumer demands.

Milkfish (Chanos chanos Forskal) is also a type of fish that has a higher level of adaptation, with changes in salinity, which is around 0 to 60 miles. Not only that, milkfish are also more resistant to high temperature changes, which are up to 40 degrees Celsius.

In Indonesia, milkfish is a very popular fish, some even know it by the names bandang, Bolu, Muloh, and Agam.

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However, for those of you who have never seen the form of this fish, let's look at the characteristics of the following milkfish:

1. Direct body shape torpedo
2. Forked caudal fin (a sign of a fast swimming fish)
3. Silvery color
4. The mouth is at the tip of the head, with a jaw without teeth
5. The nostrils are in front of the eyes
6. The eye is covered with a clear membrane (subcutaneous)
7. Body length in the sea, can reach 1 meter, but if in a pond, the length is not more than 50 cm

Milkfish cultivation methods can use traditional cultivation methods, progressive methods, modular methods, and multiple stocking methods.

Of the various methods of milkfish, the method of cultivation is the same, which includes site selection, pond preparation, fish stocking, maintenance during maintenance, pest and disease control, supplementary feeding, and maintaining water quality.

Milkfish live in brackish water which is their natural habitat. This special milkfish habitat makes it a bit of a hassle for milkfish farmers who live far from the coast. However, the presence of freshwater milkfish makes its maintenance and care easier. At least the way to maintain freshwater milkfish is similar to keeping other types of freshwater fish such as; carp, tilapia, and others.

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This ease of maintenance is certainly very encouraging for milkfish farmers. Especially considering that the demand for milkfish is relatively high and the selling price in the market is also relatively stable.

How to Cultivate Milkfish

Here's how to cultivate milkfish which is quite easy and can be done, including for beginners:

1. Fish Pond

As with other types of fish, the first preparation is to prepare several things:

• Choose the best location for making a pond.
• The depth of the pool does not need to be too deep.
• The water used can be ground water or river water that is not polluted.
• The area of ​​the pond must be in accordance with the number of milkfish to be kept. Remember, if the size of the pond is too small for the number of fish, the fish growth will not be optimal.
• Before the fish are put into the pond, the soil in the pond should be harrowed first so that natural plankton can grow as fish food.

2. Fish Seeds

selection of milkfish seeds must be done carefully. Seeds that are not of good quality will greatly affect crop yields. Of course this will be disappointing.

To choose fish seeds, consider the following points.

• Make sure the seeds purchased are freshwater milkfish seeds.
• Make sure the seeds are not deformed. Check the seed body. At least buy seeds from sellers who are known to have a good reputation.
• Watch the movement of the seeds. Quality seeds have active movement
• Seeds must be healthy. Seeds must be disease free.
• The ideal size of the seed is 2.5 to 5 cm

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3. Spreading Seeds in Ponds

Similar to the distribution of other types of fish seeds, before being put into the pond, it is better to transit the seeds first. Place the seeds in a tub or plastic container. Make sure the condition of the pond is ready to accommodate the seeds.

If the seeds are ready to be transferred to the pond, move them immediately and pay attention to the condition of the seeds in the pond. It is important to observe whether the seeds are stressed when in the pond.

4. Care and Maintenance

This stage will determine the success of cultivation. Therefore, several things need to be considered, namely;

Feeding

The amount of feed given must be in accordance with the number of fish and body size. The amount of feed that is too little will make fish growth not optimal. However, on the other hand, if too much feed is given, waste will occur and can cause disease, because the leftover food will rot in the pond water.

Feeding should be done in the following way:

• When new seeds are introduced, let the fish eat the plankton in the pond.
• New fine pellets are given when the age of the seeds in the pond has been 7 days.
• Feed is given 2 times / day, every morning and evening.
• If the seed size has reached 7.5 to 10 cm, pellets or pur can be given without needing to be crushed.
• The dose of feed, at the initial stage is 5?ri fish weight. Then gradually until it reaches 15% of the weight of the fish, when the fish have matured.

Pond Water The 

quality of pond water is very influential on the health of fish. It further affects the growth of fish. A good pool water is one that contains enough oxygen and is not dirty.

Poor quality pond water can cause fish to become sick and lead to death. This will make the work that has been prepared for a long time to be wasted. Failure to raise milkfish is the same as having to bear material losses.

Therefore also pay attention to:

• Check every day the water inlet and water outlet. Make sure the channel is smooth.
• If needed, make a waterwheel in the pond so that oxygen levels are more guaranteed.
• Pay attention to the water level. Do not be too little or too much. Especially in the rainy season, do not let the water overflow through the walls of the pool. Meanwhile, in the dry season, take care not to let the water be less than it should be.

Also read: How to spawn and hatch carp in Indonesia

5. Harvest

Usually after 4 months of rearing, milkfish can be harvested. However, before harvesting, make sure the fish body size is sufficient. To harvest fish, previously reduce the amount of pond water and catch it using a net.