Evaluation of suitability of Squaliobarbus curriculus and Cirrhinus mrigala as food fish for Mandarin fish farming

Abstract:

The comparisons have been made between Squaliobarbus curriculus and Cirhirnus mrigala to clarify the suitability as food fish for Mandarin fish based on the biological characteristics and the feasibility studies were conducted on Squaliobarbus curriculus as replacement of Cirhirnus mrigala for mandarin fish farming. The results showed that Cirhirnus mrigala and Squaliobarbus curriculus had similar feeding habit, both belong to low-age mature and poly-spawning type fish, wider adaptability to salinity, and stronger resistance against low oxygen than Mandarin fish. Squaliobarbus curriculus has three times spawning a year with large fecundity, with easy sources of broodstocks. The methods and facilities for fish breeding are similar to conventional carps and Mandarin fish, the success of the induced breeding is easily achieved. Good production can be easily obtained by one-time sufficient stocking and multi-times catches, also with low cost. Therefore, these two types of fishes are both available with good characters as fish food. But in the Yangtze River basin, Squaliobarbus curriculus can well survive in the winter, while Cirhirnus mrigala can not. Moreover, Squaliobarbus curriculus has longer breeding and growing periods and higher production. Therefore it is appropriate to use Squaliobarbus curriculus for Mandarin fish food instead of Cirhirnus mrigala. This provides good opportunity for Mandarin fish culture, especially in the off-season production. It is also a reference to improve the farming systems for Mandarin fish.