Artificial Breeding and Feed Domestication Overcome

Mandarin Fish Breeding Breakthrough in Hubei

A research team in Yunxi county, Shiyan of Hubei province, has achieved a significant breakthrough in the artificial breeding of mandarin fish. This species is known for its delicious taste and nutritional value, but also for its notoriously difficult breeding requirements.

"After nearly two years of research and development, we have finally overcome the technical challenges of artificial breeding and feed domestication of mandarin fish," said Huang Yongtao, deputy director and researcher at the Hubei Institute of Fishery Sciences.

Mandarin fish are highly selective feeders, only consuming live fish that suit their taste. This has made them challenging to raise in captivity, limiting their potential for aquaculture. However, the research team has developed a solution to this problem.

They have created a special suspension feed that floats and sinks in the water, mimicking the movement of live fish. This innovation has significantly increased the success rate of mandarin fish domestication to over 80%, while also reducing the domestication period to just 21 days.

The successful breeding of mandarin fish is expected to have a positive impact on the aquaculture industry in Hubei, a major producer of fresh fish in China. By increasing the self-sufficiency of this species, the technology will contribute to the overall sustainability and economic viability of the industry.