SRAC# 121, Baitfish: Feeds and Feeding Practices

Opening Paragraph:
Success in raising the baitfish fry depends on the management of natural food so that it is available when the fry are ready to eat. The production of natural food is achieved with the application of organic and/or inorganic fertilizer. Fertilization establishes a “bloom” of microscopic plants and animals (plankton) which is the natural food; it also shades out aquatic weeds. This bloom should be abundant enough so that a Secchi disc (Fig. 1) can be faintly seen at 10 inches (an aluminum plate on a stick can be substituted). If the pond begins to clear, more fertilizer should be applied. If the water in a nearby pond contains a suitable bloom, there is a double advantage to practice bloom "seeding". Water pumped over the levee is more desirable and less expensive than water pumped from a well. The water should be carefully screened to prevent the transfer of fish. Water transfer should not be considered if the fish in the adjoining pond are infected with diseases or parasites.

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