Black carp fish farming is not too popular like many other carp fish species. Although commercial black carp fish farming can be a very good and profitable business.
And commercial culture of this fish is becoming popular gradually, especially in some South Asian countries.
The black carp fish is native to lakes and rives in East Asia, ranging from the Amur Basin, through China to Vietnam. And in China, the black carp fish is widely cultivated for food and also for medicine.
The black carp fish is not stocked alone in the pond. Rather it is stocked with other carp fish species such as big head carp, silver carp and grass carp fish. But the black carp fish is not widely distributed throughout the world like the other 3 carp fish species.
The black carp fish can reach up to 1.8 meters body length and can reach around 35 kg body weight. And the fish is generally fed on snails and mussels, and it’s a famous fish used in polyculture in some Asian countries.
How to Start Black Carp Fish Farming
Commercial black carp fish farming business can be very profitable and it can create a very good income opportunity for the unemployed educated people.
Starting black carp fish farming is very easy and it’s just like starting other carp fish farming business. Here we are shortly describing about the steps for starting commercial black carp fish farming business.
Site Selection
First of all you have to select a very good site for starting black carp fish farming business. Try to select the site far from residential areas and which is free from all types of noises and pollution. Although, you can start black carp fish farming business in your existing pond.
Pond Construction & Size
After selecting a good site, you have to construct a pond in it. Generally the earthen ponds are considered good for starting black carp fish farming business. And the pond should be of at least one acre for commercial production. Smaller sized concrete or plastic ponds are not good for commercial black carp fish farming business.
Pond Preparation
Preparing the pond and making it ready is very important for starting black carp fish farming business. Apply lime and both organic and inorganic fertilizers into the pond. Consult with an aquaculture specialist in your area or any fisheries for better recommendation.
Seed Collection
The black carp fish seeds should be easily available in the hatcheries where this fish is available. You can collect from any of your nearest hatcheries.
Rearing the Fingerlings
After collecting the seeds, you have to raise the fingerlings in nursery pond for 20-30 days or until they reach around or up to 15 cm body length.
Stocking in the Main Pond
After raising the fingerlings in nursery pond, they will be ready for stocking in the main pond. Generally the fingerlings of around 15 cm body length are stocked in the main pond. As we have mentioned above, the black carp fish is stocked with other carp fish species. And you can stock a total of around 25,000 to 30,000 fish in an one acre pond.
Feeding
The black carp fish are generally fed on snails and mussels. The larvae fed on zooplankton, and then on ostracods and aquatic insects. Although today there are commercial fish feeds available for feeding the black carp fish.
Harvesting
Both total and selecting harvesting are practiced for harvesting black carp fish. Several nettings are typically carried out before total drain-down of the pond.
Marketing
The black carp fish are generally sold live and fresh in the market. So try to send the fish in the market as soon as you can after harvesting.
These are the common ways for starting and operating black carp fish farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
