Fry and Fingerling

Minimize transport time and adjust the number of fingerlings in bags or tanks based on travel distance: the longer the journey, the lower the stocking density. Ensure sufficient air or oxygen in the bags or tanks to maintain water quality. Extended transport increases ammonia levels, which can harm the fish. Quality monitoring during transport helps keep conditions stable. Transporting in the early morning is ideal to avoid higher afternoon temperatures and reduce stress on the fish.

For tilapia, achieving a monosex male population is crucial. Start feeding immediately after hatching the eggs or collecting the fry, so the fish have access to treated feed as soon as they have absorbed their yolk sac. Delay of testosterone feed beyond 10 days risks unsuccessful sex reversal. Feed with testosterone for 21 days to ensure all fry develop as males, optimizing population uniformity and growth performance.

Record keeping is essential to know how your fish are doing and where to focus. At De Heus we have designed a record keeping guide which helps you to calculate feed conversion rate (FCR), monitor growth and plan harvesting and feed purchase. When comparing your key data to benchmark you also know when there is an issue or where you can improve. Integrating quality monitoring of feeding, growth, and water quality into your records provides a complete picture for better decision-making.

Fish start feeding by absorbing their yolk-sac. Some can transition onto formulated feed after yolk absorption. Others need intermediate feeding with live feeds like micro-algae, rotifers or artemia for digestive development. Wean onto formulated feed as early as possible, by gradually increasing formulated feed, alternating with live feeds, until the fish are comfortable to take all their nutritional requirements from commercial diets.