PIND Aquaculture Manual

Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta
Training-Cum-Demonstration
on Catfish Pond Management
Trainer’s Manual 1st Edition, 2014

Ten Commandments of
Pond Fish Culture
1. Stock healthy and disease-free fingerlings, preferably from hatcheries.
2.Avoid overcrowding, and stock the correct number
of fingerlings per unit area.
3.Always maintain good water level and quality.
4.Watch out for fish predators, competitors and human poachers.
5. Feed fish at the same time every day twice
daily from the same spot.
6.Avoid excessive feeding in order to prevent
pond fouling and pollution.
7. Maintain normal pond water green color.
Replenish water if color is too deep green
or when the fish begin to gather at the
surface to gulp for air.
8.Watch fish behavior for abnormalities,
and immediately remove diseased, dead
or dying fish (or any other animal found in
the pond).
9. Maintain pond structure. Routinely check for
blockages and damages. Repair pond walls,
pond bottom, screens, and inlet and outlet
water supply structures.
10. Keep accurate records of fish farming
activities.

Training-Cum-Demonstration on Catfish Pond Management 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents 3
Preface 4
Overview of Module Content 5
Suggested Timetable (Training-cum-Demonstration) 6
Notes for Trainers 6
MODULE 1: Pond Preparation
Session 1.1: Introduction to pond fish culture 7
Session 1.2: Site selection for fish pond 9
Session 1.3: Construction of fish pond 11
MODULE 2: Pond Preparation Before Stocking
Session 2.1: Draining/cleaning fish pond 13
Session 2.2: Screening the pond 15
Session 2.3: Installing drain pipes 16
Session 2.4: Liming the pond 17
Session 2.5: Fertilizing the pond 19
MODULE 3: Stocking of Fish Fry and Fingerling
Session 3.1: Fish pond stocking 21
MODULE 4: Pond Equipment/Tools
Session 4.1: Use and maintenance of pond equipment/tools 25
MODULE 5: Control of Predators, Competitors,Weeds and Diseases
Session 5.1: How to control predators and competitors 27
Session 5.2: Aquatic weeds and disease control 29
MODULE 6: Fish Pond Maintenance
Session 6.1: Fish sorting 31
Session 6.2: Checking pond conditions (water quality parameters) 33
Session 6.3: Maintaining an improved pond environment 35
Session 6.4: Performing health check on fish 36
Session 6.5: Sampling for growth and feeding rates 38
Session 6.6: Record keeping in pond fish culture 40
MODULE 7: Fish Feeds and Feeding
Session 7.1: Fish feed 43
Session 7.2: Fish feeding 45
MODULE 8: Harvesting and Marketing
Session 8.1: Harvesting/cropping of fish pond and marketing of cropped fish 47
Appendix 1: Record Keeping Documents
Table 1: Pond Construction and Maintenance Records 49
Table 2: Fish Farms Equipment and Tools 50
Table 3: Input Records 51
Table 4: Daily Operational Labor Records 52
Table 5: Harvest and Sales Records 53
Table 6: Monthly Cost and Sales Summary 54
Table 7:Water Quality Test 55
Table 8: Feeding Regime 56
Table 9: Sampling for Growth Rate 57
Table 10: Sorting (Grading) 58
Table 11:Abbreviation List 59
Appendix 2: Indicators of Pond Environment Problems 60

4 Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta
PREFACE
Aquaculture in Nigeria is predominantly a food farming activity in which major production is contributed by small
holders in rural communities. Considered alternative farming, aquaculture will be important in planning for sustainable
rural development, especially in Nigeria where aquaculture is already an established part of the economy. Emphasis on
aquaculture has resulted in increased fish production and has stimulated rural development.
Catfish farming is common in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria due to the fish’s hardiness, unique taste and high
nutritional value. Catfish delicacies are increasingly popular in Nigeria homes, restaurants and hotels.
Farmers, keen to ensure food security for their families, are also looking increasingly toward cash crops, trade and
complementary activities to supplement their income and improve their living standards. In this context, improving
aquaculture yields through effective training-cum-demonstration of fish pond management is desirable.
The purpose of this manual is to help trainers provide training-cum-demonstration support on fish pond management
techniques. It can be used to teach farmers the concepts, skills and practices of good pond management that are vital for
producing economically feasible yields and solving pond management problems.
In addition, this manual is useful as a quick-reference and self-help guide for fishery facilitators, fish farmers and
extension workers. It is designed to arouse the interest of fish farmers and the general public, thereby stimulating greater
investment in fish farming. This simple training and demonstration manual has the potential to greatly improve the
practices of fish farmers and help promote rapid rural aquaculture development.
This guide describes the following pond management practices and the underlying reasons for their application:
• Preparing the pond before stocking (including cleaning, liming
and fertilizing)
• Controlling predators and competitors in the pond
• Stocking the pond with fish fry and fingerlings
• Checking pond conditions (water quality parameters)
• Feeding the fish
• Maintaining an improved pond environment
• Performing health checks on the fish
• Recognizing indicators of pond environment problems
The venue in which pond management training-cum-demonstration is conducted is very important. One day of in-situ or
pond site training can have a much stronger impact than several days of training in a traditional classroom. Emphasis on
pond site training-cum-demonstration is recommended.
The content of this training manual is the product of a successful pilot demonstration pond intervention by the
Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) to promote best practices in catfish farming among
farmers in Warri, Delta state. The pilot project, which is part of the PIND aquaculture value chain development project,
was conducted in partnership with Grand Cereals Limited, producers of Vital Feed; Bnot Harel Limited, importers and
marketers of Rannan Fish Feed; Brafin Farms, producers of fish fingerlings; the United Ufuoma Fish Farmers Association
(UUFFA), a fish farmers association of more than 500 members in Ekpan, Delta state; and the USAID/PIND-funded
MARKETS II Project.
This manual was developed by Dr. Arthur Okoro with contributions from technical specialists Dr. Dara Akala, Sylvester
Okoh, Misan-Edema-Sillo, James Elekwachi, Saeed Lawal and Bill Grant. Final editing was done by Johnson Oluwasoji
while design and production was handled by the PIND Knowledge Management team. All photographs featured in this
manual were taken by the PIND Media Production Hub during the pilot demonstration ponds intervention.
Catfish farming is common
in the Niger Delta region
of Nigeria due to the fish’s
hardiness, unique taste and
high nutritional value. Catfish
delicacies are increasingly
popular in Nigeria homes,
restaurants and hotels.

Overview of Module Content
ModuleTitle Session Content
MODULE 1
Pond Preparation
Session 1.1
Introduction to fish pond culture
Session 1.2
Site selection for fish ponds
Session 1.3
Construction of fish ponds
Introduces participants to fish farming and the benefits of
growing fish in ponds.
Takes participants through the general considerations in
selecting suitable sites.
Outlines the steps in pond construction.
MODULE 2
Pond Preparation Before
Restocking
Session 2.1
Draining and cleaning the fish pond
Session 2.2
Screening the pond
Session 2.3
Installing drain pipes
Session 2.4
Liming the pond
Session 2.5
Fertilizing the pond
Explains preparation of new and old ponds before stocking.
The principles of preparation are basically the same for old
and new ponds though minor differences exist.
Majorly, pond preparation involves lime and fertilizer
treatment of the bottom to reduce loss by seepage, improve
pond fertility and stimulate plankton production.
MODULE 3
Stocking of Fish Fry and
Fingerling
Session 3.1
Fish pond stocking
Highlights that stocking normally takes place after pond
preparation.
Explains how an adequate number of selected fish species of
proper size are introduced into ponds.
Describes live fish transportation from the wild or hatcheries
and avoidance of stress before and during introduction.
MODULE 4
Pond Equipment and Tools
Session 4.1
Use and maintenance of pond
equipment and tools
Teaches and demonstrates how to use and maintain
aquaculture equipment and tools, such as nets, spades,
aerators, pH meter, ammonia and nitrate test kits, water
pumping machine, generator, and Secchi disc digger.
MODULE 5
Control of Predators,
Competitors, Weeds and
Diseases
Session 5.1
How to control predators and
competitors
Session 5.2
Aquatic weeds and disease control
Identifies and explains how to control pond predators and
competitors, including birds, frogs, snakes and fish.
Explains how to control aquatic weeds and resultant disease
effects.
MODULE 6
Fish Pond Maintenance
Session 6.1
Fish sorting
Session 6.2
Checking pond conditions
(water quality parameters)
Session 6.3
Maintaining an improved pond
environment
Session 6.4
Performing health check on fish
Session 6.5
Sampling for growth and feeding rates
Session 6.6
Keeping records on fish pond culture
Shows how to sort fish in order to establish the number,
weight and other measurements of fish in each pond.
Outlines water quality monitoring and maintenance and
how to perform health check on fish.
Highlights how to manipulate a complex of interacting
biological, physical, chemical and environmental factors that
promotes high stocking rate, growth rate and survival rate
and good pond structure and water quality.
MODULE 7
Fish Feeds and Feeding
Session 7.1
Fish feeds
Session 7.2
Fish feeding
Teaches preparation of artificial feeds and the role of liming
and fertilization in fish growth and yields.
Highlights how the fish are fed according to size.
MODULE 8
Harvesting and Marketing
Session 8.1
Harvesting and cropping the fish pond
and marketing cropped fish
Explains that pond cropping and harvesting is undertaken
when the fish stock or part of it has attained market size
(which is determined by consumer acceptability and
preference).
Notes that emptying a pond of water is done only when
selling all the harvested fish is assured.
Highlights basic marketing strategies.

Notes for Trainers
The following points are to be considered in the delivery of the material in this manual:
1. Participants receive a copy of the modules, except for the session guides.
2. Reference notes serve as a summary of the session. They document the main points of the session and are meant as
notes for future reference and review by participants. Having participants read the reference notes during the relevant
sessions and demonstrations is not necessary.
3. The learning process is to focus on the link between the learning objectives, as given in the session objectives,
exercises and demonstrations, which take participants through the learning process to the achievement of the
objective. The trainer should keep this in mind at all times so that the process is facilitated toward the achievement
of the objectives.
4. In the Overview of Module Content table that follows these notes is a proposed program for the one-week training-
cum-demonstration. This can be modified to meet the particular needs of the target audience. However, the sequence
of modules and sessions is designed to facilitate effective learning.
5. One way to engage participants is to suggest what a concept is about before you introduce it in the presentation.
That way, you can build on the response to reinforce the message. Always use the experience of the participants,
but stay in control.
6. In order to ensure that effective learning actually occurs, a pre- and post-test questionnaire may be administered
before and at the end of the workshop. The former can indicate the level of knowledge and skills the participant
brings to the course while the post-test questionnaire can confirm that learning has taken place as a result of
participants’ involvement in the program.
7. A useful way to help participants think about what they have learned and how they can apply it is to ask them to
prepare an action plan for how they can apply the skills, knowledge and ability they have gained in the workshop.
8. This training manual assumes that two ponds are used, which is considered the minimum necessary to conduct an
effective demonstration. Farmers should always be encouraged to run a minimum of two ponds in each cycle to sort
and separate fish effectively. Time considerations in this manual are for one pair of ponds.
Suggested Timetable (Training-cum-Demonstration)
Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Registration
Opening
Climate setting
Session 1.1
Session 2.1 Session 3.1 Session 6.1
Session 6.2
Session 6.6
(continued)
11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Break Break Break Break Break
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Session 1.2 Session 2.2
Session 2.3
Session 4.1 Session 6.3
Session 6.4
Session 7.1
Session 7.2
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch
2:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. Session 1.3 Session 2.4
Session 2.5
Session 5.1
Session 5.2
Session 6.5
Session 6.6
Session 8.1
CLOSURE

MODULE1:PondPreparation
Session 1.1: Introduction to fish pond culture
Session 1.2: Site selection for fish ponds
Session 1.3: Construction of fish ponds
Session 1.1: Introduction to fish pond culture
Session Objectives
At the end of the session, participants should be able to:
• Define fish pond culture vis-à-vis captured fish.
• Identify the benefits derivable from effective and efficient pond culture practices.
• Enumerate the characteristics of good pond culture.
Session Guide
Process Pre-classroom/field demonstration by trainers.
Prepare visual aids to highlight:
• Session objectives. Test participants’ level of knowledge through Q and A.
• Discuss overview of fish pond culture.
• With practical examples, discuss types of fish pond culture.
• Generate responses from participants on benefits of fish pond culture.
• With real examples, discuss the characteristics of good pond culture.
Method • Lecturette
• Q and A plus Trainer presentation
Material Needed • Visual aid (flip chart, multimedia)
Time 1 hour
Pilot project participants measure and mark out the area of the fish pond in preparation for construction.

Training and Demonstration Outline
• Overview of fish pond culture vis-à-vis captured fish
• Types of fish pond culture
• Benefits of fish pond culture
• Characteristics of good pond culture
Reference Notes
A fish pond is an enclosure (earthen or concrete) built to retain water for the purpose of growing fish to table size for
household consumption and for sale to generate income. Culturing fish in ponds from which they can rarely escape
enables feeding, breeding, growing and harvesting of the fish in a well-planned manner. A fish pond constructed in a
proper way and managed under controlled conditions can give the highest possible fish production with respect to the size
of the pond.
Fish farming may range from large-scale industrial enterprises to “backyard” subsistence ponds. Farming systems can be
distinguished in terms of input levels. Fish farming ponds range in size from a few square meters to several hectares. In
general, small ponds are used for spawning and fingerling production. Production ponds larger than 10 hectares become
difficult to manage and are not very popular with most farmers.
The practice of growing fish in ponds can yield the following benefits to farmers:
• By growing fish, an avenue is created for an additional source of protein. Fish protein is among the richest animal
proteins. Protein is necessary in human diet for repairs of body tissues and for healthy growth.
• Provision of income.
• Employment for fish farmers, processors and sellers.
• Maximization of land that is not productive for growing arable crops.
• Fast growth of pond fish (fast production) due to farmers’ ease in meeting food requirements.
Characteristics of good pond culture include:
• Location: Select land with a gentle slope, and lay out ponds to take advantage of existing contour. Soil should contain
a minimum of 25% clay. Rocks, grass, branches and other undesirable objects should be eliminated from the dikes.
• Pond depth: Depth of water should be about 1 meter at the shallow end of the pond, slopping from 1 meter at the
inlet point to about 1.2 meters at the drain point.
• Configuration: The best shape for ponds is rectangular or square.
• Total water volume: Water should be of sufficient capacity to fill each pond within a few weeks and to keep them full
throughout the growing season.
• Dikes: Dikes should be sufficiently wide to mow. Road dikes should be made of gravel. Grass should be planted on all
dikes.

Session 1.2: Site selection for fish ponds
Session Objectives
• Identify suitable sites for fish pond culture.
• Enumerate the general considerations in selecting suitable sites.
Session Guide
• Consideration of soil type, quality and quantity of water available and the requirements for filling and draining the
pond
• Soil squeeze method
• Groundwater test, water permeability test and water availability test (water supply/loss)
• Other considerations: Topography, covering vegetation, accessibility, security, labor availability, inputs availability of
inputs, market characteristics
Reference Notes
Proper selection of a site is probably the most important factor in the success of a fish farm. Site selection will depend on
the kind of fish farm you plan to establish. For pond construction, consider the following factors: soil type of the area,
quality and quantity of the water available and the requirements for filling and draining the pond.
The quality of soil influences both productivity and water quality in a pond. However, soil must also be suitable for dike
construction. To determine suitability, examine soil texture (particularly size composition) and porosity or permeability
(ability to let water pass through), which are the two most important soil properties in this context. The pond bottom
must be able to hold water, and the soil should also contribute to the fertility of the water by providing nutrients. The best
soil for pond construction contains clay.
Three ways to predict whether soil will be suitable for pond construction are:
1. Squeeze method
• Wet a handful of soil with just enough water to make it moist.
• Squeeze the soil, and if it holds its shape after opening the palm of your hand, the soil is good for pond construction.
Process In the field, Trainers work with participants to identify and demonstrate parameters and general issues to
consider in selecting suitable sites for fish ponds. These include the following soil and water tests:
• Squeeze method
• Groundwater test
• Water permeability test
Method • Practical coaching (tell, show, do) in the field
• Lecturette
Material Needed • Visual aid (flip chart, multimedia, digging tools)
Time 2 hours

2. Groundwater test
(This should be done during a dry period in order to get reliable results.)
• Dig a hole with a depth of 1 meter.
• Cover the hole with leaves for one night to limit evaporation.
• If the hole is filled with groundwater the next morning, a pond could be built.
3. Water permeability test
• Dig a hole with a depth of 1 meter.
• Fill the hole with water to the top.
• Cover the surface of the water with leaves.
• The next day, the water and leaves will be lower due to seepage. The dikes of the hole have probably become
saturated with water and might hold water better now.
• Refill the hole with water to the top.
• Cover it once more with leaves, and check the water level the next day. If the water level is still high, the soil is
impermeable enough and is suitable for a pond.
Other considerations include: water source and supply, land topography, site vegetation, site accessibility and security,
labor availability, inputs availability and market characteristics.

Session 1.3: Construction of fish ponds
Session Objectives
• Distinguish ponds by sizes, shape, depth and types.
• Do and/or facilitate visual survey and clearing of a pond site; mark out the pond area; measure and mark out pond
walls; excavate the pond; build a pond embankment or walls; install a drainage structure; install a fence surrounding
the pond; and fill the pond with water.
• Identify the guidelines for pond design and construction.
Session Guide
• Surveying and clearing of pond site
• Marking out the pond area
• Measuring and marking out the pond walls
• Excavating the pond
• Embankment and pond wall building
• Drainage structure (pond inlet and outlet)
Reference Notes
A prudent person would not start building a house without first designing and planning a structure that suits his needs. A
prospective pond owner should likewise plan a pond that is located suitably and designed and built properly to satisfy his
or her requirements.
Once a suitable site has been selected and the land has been surveyed, the pond can be constructed manually or
mechanically. Manual labor can be used if the planned pond is a small size or will be in a swampy or marshy area where
machines cannot be used.
Process Trainer demonstrates to participants the steps in construction of a pond at an actual pond site.
Trainer facilitates the demonstration of knowledge and skills by participants.
Method • Practical coaching (tell, show, do) in the field
• Lecturette
Material Needed • Pegs
• Measuring tapes
Time 3 hours

Pond construction involves the following steps:
1. Surveying and clearing of pond site: For homestead ponds, visual survey of water sources, topography and soil is
sufficient. For larger ponds, detailed survey by registered surveyors is necessary. Such survey is to determine land
slopes and position of inlet and outlet structures.
2. Marking out the pond area: This is length and breadth measurement using pegs and measurement tapes. The actual
area to be dug is the inner core, while the outer core is the eventual pond dike.
3. Measuring and marking out the pond walls: Walls or dikes (dam) for fish ponds should be up to 5 meters thick
and 1.5 meters high above ground level. Strong pond walls will help prevent collapse of the pond structure during
flooding periods.
4. Excavating the pond: This can be done manually or with a machine. Earth moved from the pond serves for
construction of the dikes. The main parts of the pond to be constructed during excavation are the embankment/pond
walls and the pond water inlet and outlet structures.
5. Building the embankment/pond wall: To retain water in a pond, constructing an embankment is necessary. An
embankment (also known as dikes) is a reinforced wall built above ground level.
6. Installing the drainage structure: The pond inlet structure is built to supply water into the pond. Fish ponds have to
be emptied partially or fully, especially during harvesting time. When excess water is in the pond, the pond must be
drained to the required level to prevent the pond wall from weakening and collapsing. Drainage pipes should be at
least 3 meters below the pond and sloped at 45° for good draining.

MODULE2:PondPreparationBeforeStocking
Session 2.1: Draining and cleaning the fish pond
Session 2.2: Screening the pond
Session 2.3: Installing drain pipes
Session 2.4: Liming the pond
Session 2.5: Fertilizing the pond
Session 2.1: Draining and cleaning the fish pond
Session Objectives
• Clean the pond by removing excess mud and other sediments.
• Install flow pipe to drain water from the bottom of the pond.
• Carry out repairs of holes on the side of the pond.
Session Guide
Process • Teach and demonstrate how to clean and drain the pond and do necessary repairs.
• Tell and show participants that good pond management practices always begin from proper pond
preparation for fish culture.
Method • Practical coaching in the field
• Hands-on practice by participants
Material Needed • Visual aids
• Farm implements
• Water pump
• Buckets
Time 2 hours
This fish pond is being drained in preparation for stocking.

• Drying the pond bottom thoroughly
• Scraping the surface of the pond bottom to remove waste
• Drying the pond bottom again after scraping, and plowing the bottom
• Enumerating the benefits and possible disadvantages of drying and scraping
Reference Notes
Fish growth rate and yields from pond culture can be greatly increased through adequate management techniques. Good
pond management practices always begin from proper pond preparation for fish culture. Proper preparation of your pond
before stocking can prevent many of the problems that may be encountered during fish culture.
Draining and cleaning the pond involves the following steps:
1. After draining the pond, dry the pond bottom thoroughly by leaving it exposed until it cracks.
2. Scrape only the surface of the dried bottom to remove the waste.
• Scrape carefully so as not to create holes that may prevent effective drainage of the pond or expose subsoil that may
contain acid sulfate or accumulated waste.
3. Take the waste away from your farm. Accumulated waste on the dikes can be washed back into the pond by rain.
Drying helps to clean the pond bottom by removing organic wastes. This will prevent production of hydrogen sulfide.
Drying will also kill unwanted predators and competitors that entered the pond during the previous culture.
Please note that the water pump is installed on the dike of the pond. Ensure that the inlet pipe is well secured to the water
pump and reaches the bottom of the pond. Drain the pond during ebb tide to prevent the dike from collapsing.
Workers clean the bottom of the fish pond after drainage.

Session 2.2: Screening the pond
Session Objectives:
• Utilize chicoco blocks to build the dikes so as to prevent newly stocked fish from escaping and predators and
competitors from entering the pond.
• Screen the sides of the pond with netting to fortify the dikes.
• Screen the top of the pond with netting to prevent predators, competitors and thieves from entering the pond.
Session Guide
Drainage pipes and mosquito nets being used during pond preparation
Process • Teach and demonstrate to the participants how to use the two different types of nets to screen the ponds
against predators, competitors and human thieves.
Method • Coaching (tell, show, do)
• Trainer demonstration followed by participant practice
• Wooden pegs (15 cm, 50 cm lengths)
• Mosquito net (1 mm × 1 mm)
• Gill net (2.5 cm × 2.5 cm)
Time 1 hour, 30 minutes

• Use of two different types of nets to screen the ponds:
–– 1 mm × 1 mm mesh size mosquito net to screen the side of the pond
–– 2.5 cm× 2.5 cm gill net for the top
• Attaching the nets to the dikes with wooden pegs accordingly
Reference Notes
Protecting the stocked fish from predators, competitors and human thieves is done by screening with nets as follows:
1. Stretch the mosquito netting material (1 mm × 1 mm mesh size) along the sides of the pond and attach it to the dikes
where the loose blocks of the chicoco are. Do not leave room for fish to escape or enter the pond.
2. Vertically embed the 50-cm pegs on the dike walls, and stretch the gill net over the pond using the pegs to suspend
the net well above the water surface.
–– Large-mesh netting should be used to cover the top of the pond. Large mesh allows plenty of light to penetrate the
pond, which is important for making photosynthesis possible and increasing oxygen levels in the water.
–– Insufficient space between the water surface and the gill net may result in fish becoming trapped in the net when
they start jumping, particularly in the evenings.
Session 2.3: Installing drain pipes
Session Objectives
• Install drain pipes to enable fresh water to replenish waste water.
• Drain water from the bottom of the pond during ebb tide to remove fecal water and other toxic materials.
• Ensure water flows into the pond during flood tide.
A worker installs pipes in the fish pond to enable appropriate flow of water in and out of the pond.

Session Guide
• Using a pipe to bore through the dike to the canal
• Using tangit glue to secure an elbow to the pond end of the pipe
• Securing another pipe to the elbow to form an inverted L shape
• Attaching a screened elbow to the base of the pipes
• Enabling water to flow into the pond during flood tide and flow out during ebb tide, helping to remove contaminated
water
Reference Note
The flow of water in and out of the pond is critical to the health of the fish, which underscores the importance of drain
pipes that function reliably.
Drain pipe installation involves the following steps:
1. Use a pipe to bore through the dike to the canal. Later, when water is flowing through the pipe, the dike material in it
is gradually pushed out by the force of the flow.
2. Attach the elbow to the pipe protruding on the inside of the pond. Make sure the free end of the elbow faces the
bottom of the pond. Secure the elbow with tangit glue.
3. Attach a second pipe to the free end of the elbow. Make sure that the end of the pipe hangs approximately 15 cm
above the bottom of the pond. This will help prevent clogging the pipe.
4. Firmly attach mesh screen over one opening of a second elbow. The purpose of the screen is to prevent fish and other
organisms from travelling through the piping.
5. Attach the second elbow to the bottom of the second pipe so that the screened opening faces the pond water.
Session 2.4: Liming the pond
Session Objectives
• Apply an optimum amount of lime to help maintain pond water at a neutral pH of 7 (so that it is neither too acidic
nor too alkaline).
• Identify the type and quantity of lime to use and the correct way to apply it.
• Apply lime to increase the transparency of the water in order to encourage zooplankton growth.
Process • Teach and demonstrate how to install drain pipes and elbows, as well as the screening nets.
• Allow participants to practice what they have learned.
Method • Teaching and practical demonstration
• Tangit glue
• PVC pipes (7.6 cm diameter)
• PVC elbows (7.5 cm diameter)
• Screening net (7.5 m × 7.5 m mesh size)
Time 1 hour

Session Guide
• Why you should lime the pond bottom
• What you should know about liming
• Types of lime use in pond preparation and their suitability
• The correct amount of lime to use
• Placing the lime (CaCo3
) in the pond using a basin or bucket
• Gradual spreading of the lime over the whole bottom to the top of the dike
• Open inlet pipes to allow water to enter the ponds
Reference Notes
Agricultural lime is used to increase the buffer capacity of the pond water. This is important for making the water as
neutral as possible and increasing the water transparency to stimulate phytoplankton and zooplankton growth.
Specifically lime is used to:
• Correct the soil pH.
• Increase the alkalinity of pond water and thereby prevent unacceptable pH fluctuations in the pond.
• Neutralize the acid layer on the pond bottom.
Agricultural lime is applied to a fish pond to increase the buffer capacity of the pond water.
Process • Teach and demonstrate the need for liming and the right type and quantity of lime to use.
• Teach and demonstrate how to apply lime and allow participants to practice.
• Agricultural lime (CaCO3
) weighing 200 kg
• Spade
• Basin or bucket

• Increase the availability of nutrients by assisting in the release of nutrients from the soil.
• Disinfect, as lime kills bacteria and fish parasites. (not calcium carbonate).
• Improve soil conditions and promote the bacterial breakdown of waste materials.
The correct amount of lime to be used is dependent on the type of lime used and the pH of the soil on the bottom of the
pond (Table 1).
Table 1:Application of Lime per Hectare (1ha = 1000 m2)
Session 2.5: Fertilizing the pond
Session Objectives
• Apply an optimum amount of organic fertilizer or preferably animal manures to ponds to stimulate natural fish food
production.
• Use the “green water principle” to regulate fertilizer application in fish ponds.
Session Guide
• Why, how and when you need to add fertilizers to the pond water
• Types and usage of fertilizers (organic, inorganic)
• The mix of the three nutrients in inorganic fertilizer
• How to make animal/plant compost (organic fertilizer)
• Other organic fertilizers – animal manure, animal meals, plant meals, plant manure/crop residues
• How much fertilizer to apply
pH of Pond Bottom Soil Quantity in kilograms per hectare
Agricultural Lime Dolomite Calcium Oxide
6 – 7 1000 – 2000 1000 – 2000 500 – 1000
5 – 6 2000 – 3000 2000 – 3000 1000 – 1500
Less than 5 3000 – 5000 3000 – 5000 1500 – 2500
Process • Teach and show the participants the benefits of fertilizing the pond (organic and inorganic).
• Demonstrate to the participants how they can know the amount of the three nutrients in the fertilizer.
• Teach participants how to make both plant and animal compost (organic fertilizer).
• Teach students how to use the Secchi disc, when to apply fertilizer, how much to apply, etc.
• Buckets
• Weight balance
• Secchi disc
• Farm implants
• Animal and/or plant compost

Reference Notes
Fertilizing the pond involves the following steps:
1. After liming the pond bottom, add 30 cm (1 foot) of water to the pond.
2. Conduct a nitrate test to assess the level of nitrate in the pond. The higher the level of nitrate, the lower the need for
applying fertilizer, which is typically the case in older ponds that have been used to culture fish. Nitrate levels above
20 mg/ha do not need fertilizer.
3. If the nitrate test indicates that fertilizer is required, use organic or inorganic fertilizer appropriately. Organic fertilizer
such as poultry droppings may be applied in tied bags or directly to the pond. If using bagged fertilizer, a pond of 120
m2 requires about 25 kg of poultry droppings. If inorganic fertilizer is used, 5 kg – 10 kg is sufficient.
4. After the fertilizer is applied, the pond should not be disturbed for a period of eight to 10 days.
5. After the waiting period, test the level of nitrate again. In addition, use a Secchi disc to assess light penetration. The
disc indicates the extent of the phytoplankton bloom.
6. If there is too much phytoplankton, reduce the water level and add fresh water (a practice known as the green water
principle). Fertilizer will release essential nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) to the pond to grow natural food
(plankton) in the pond water.
Plankton is natural food for many fish. Plankton consists of very small or microscopic animals (zooplankton), microscopic
plants (phytoplankton) and a bacterial component. Fertilizers are applied during the pond preparation stage as well as
after stocking of fish.

MODULE3:StockingofFishFryandFingerling
Session 3.1: Fish pond stocking
Session Objectives
• Select good-quality fish fry and fingerlings for stocking.
• Decide accurately when to place orders.
• Avoid fry and fingerlings that have defects.
• Transport fingerling and fish fry for stocking.
• Carry out basic quarantine.
Workers sort good-quality fingerlings before stocking.

Session Guide
• What to look for in selecting fish fry and fingerlings
• When and how to order, quarantine and transport fingerlings
• Sorting fingerlings into groups of similar sizes
• How to reduce stress to fish during transportation
• Acclimatizing the fish to the pond environment and introducing the fish to the pond
Reference Notes
Stocking normally takes place after pond preparation, liming and fertilization. Stocking is the means of introducing an
adequate number of selected fish species of proper size into the pond for culture. It involves live fish transportation from
the wild or hatcheries and avoidance of stress to fish before and during introduction.
During quarantine and transportation, fish are kept in relatively small containers at high density, which results in the twin
problems of high oxygen requirement and rapid deterioration of water quality due to accumulation of metabolic waste.
This could cause stress and high mortality among the fish. Therefore, farmers need to obtain healthy fingerlings from the
start.
Process • Teach and show participants what to look for in selecting fish fry and fingerling for stocking.
• Enumerate the characteristics of suitable fish fry and fingerlings.
• Discuss how to quarantine and transport fingerlings and fish fry.
• Sorting table
• Buckets
• Hand nets
Time 2 hours

In selecting fingerlings for stocking, check for the following physical and behavioral characteristics:
• Vigorous and active swimming
• Size uniformity
• Normal body shape and no deformities (patches, spots, lesions, fin damage/rots)
• Normal body color and soft to touch
• Deep red gills without any signs of hemorrhage or spots
• Quick response to external stimuli such as tapping and touching
Some key points to note in stocking fry and fingerlings include:
• To reduce stress during live fish transportation, stop feeding fish one to three days before they are transported and
during transportation.
• Handle and stock fish in the cool hours of the morning and evening.
• Stock only known species, and beware of releasing unknown or undesirable fish into the pond.
• Use recommended stocking density.
• Obtain fingerlings preferably from a hatchery.
• Stock only healthy and disease-free fingerlings.
• Before introduction, acclimatize the fish to conditions of the environment where they will be stocked. For example,
collect water from the pond and mix it gradually into the container of fish from the hatchery. Then gently lower the
container of fish into the pond and allow the fingerlings to swim off on their own.
A worker introduces selected fish species of the proper size into the pond for culture.

Hardy fingerlings are identified by their size, activity and the brightness of their color. Once selected, the fingerlings are
quarantined and given antibiotics to reduce stress. They are quarantined in buckets for at least 12 hours before being
introduced into the ponds.
The number of fish required to stock a pond depends on the size of the pond. For example, if the pond has an average of
120 m2
of surface area, then 1,300 fingerlings is an appropriate stocking amount.

Session 4.1: Use and maintenance of pond equipment and tools
Session Objectives
• Safely utilize tools and equipment to enhance a smooth-running fish pond culture.
• Appropriately maintain all equipment and tools to increase their shelf life.
Session Guide
MODULE 4: Pond Equipment and Tools
MODULE4:PondEquipmentandTools
Process • Teach and demonstrate the use of the equipment and tools available for fish pond culture.
• Discuss with participants routine activities for maintaining the equipment and tools.
• Nets
• Farm implements
• Buckets
• pH meter
• Aerators
• Ammoniums test kits
• Water pumping machine
• Weighing balance or scale
• Generator
• Secchi disc
• Pond digger, etc.
Time 2 hours
Farmers manage their ponds by using equipment such as pH meters, ammonia and nitrite test kits.

MODULE 4: Pond Equipment and Tools
MODULE4:PondEquipmentandTools
• Washing, drying and using fingerling nets, hand nets and dragnets
• How to properly use and maintain machetes, spades, buckets, etc.
• Use of predators to increase oxygen level in pond water
• The use of a pH meter
• How to use and read ammonia and nitrate test kits
• Effective use and maintenance of water pumps and generators
• How to use a Secchi disc to evaluate light penetration
Reference Notes
Small ponds are quickly and easily constructed and maintained with hand labor using picks, hoes, shovels and
wheelbarrows. For larger ponds, a bulldozer bucket or wheeled scraper can be used economically depending on its size.
Once a pond has been constructed, tools and equipment are needed for its management, such as: Seine nets, wheelbarrow,
fish cans, water pumping machine, generator, Secchi disc, pH meter, and ammonia and nitrate test kits.
The proper use and maintenance of tools and equipment helps foster good-quality fish pond culture while it increases the
shelf life of the equipment and tools.
Pond management equipment

MODULE5:ControlofPredators,
Competitors,WeedsandDiseases
Session 5.1: How to control predators and competitors
Session Objectives
• Identify and eliminate predators in the pond.
• Install and maintain sturdy fences around ponds.
• Prevent entry of predators and competitors because of proper screening.
Session Guide
Process • Teach participants the need to control predators and competitors.
• Discuss the various control measures for the different predators and competitors with the participants.
• Group discussion
• Practical application of learning
• Gill nets/pegs
• Traps
• Guns
• Kerosene
• Detergents
Mosquito nets are used to build a wall around the ponds to keep away predators

• What are predators and competitors
• Types of predatory organisms found in fish culture ponds
• How to:
–– Control and eliminate predators and competitors.
–– Install and maintain fences around ponds.
–– Screen the water supply.
–– Conduct routine checks for fish enemies and eliminating them.
Reference Notes
Predators are organisms that prey on cultured fish. Predatory fish can enter the pond during floods or when accidentally
stocked with cultured fish. Fish culture ponds may contain several types of predatory organisms, such as fish, crabs, birds
and reptiles. The competitors compete with cultured fish for nutrients and other supplies.
Uncontrolled predation and competition from animals and plants can greatly reduce the fish population, available food
and space; promote disease; and generally make the fish culture unprofitable.
The following measures can help control predators and competitors in fish ponds:
• Destroy all pests (animals, plants) in the pond area.
• Dry and treat the pond bottom regularly.
• Ensure the water supply structure inlet is always properly screened.
• Constantly clear floating, submerged and marginal water weeds and unwanted vegetation (which provide hiding
places for pests and predators) in and around the pond.
• Install and maintain sturdy fences around ponds.
• Use palm fronds on surface or stakes at different points to hinder netting activities by human poachers.
• Watch out for and routinely check for fish enemies, and eliminate them using gill nets, traps and guns for shooting
and trapping invading reptiles and birds.
• Stock sizeable/advanced fingerlings impossible for frogs to eat.
• Suffocate air-breathing aquatic insects by applying 0.75 liters of kerosene per 100 m2
of pond surface area before
stocking fingerlings.
• Always keep embankments and dikes clean to prevent snakes from harboring in the ponds.
• Avoid application of toxic chemical control methods.

Session 5.2: Aquatic weeds and disease control
Session Objectives
• Identify aquatic weeds and diseased fish.
• Identify disease-causing organisms.
• Determine situations that can lead to stress and fish kill.
Session Guide
• Identification of aquatic weeds
• Effect of overcrowding, nutritional deficiencies and deteriorating environment/water quality on fish (fish disease)
• Aquatic weeds infestation and its effect on fish kill and stress (through oxygen depletion, gill entanglement, fouling
by decomposition of dead weed, provision of shelter and breeding places for disease vectors and predators and
contribution to water loss by evaporation)
• Control of aquatic weeds; and disease control measures
Water hyacinth, a popular sea weed, is a threat to fish farming in the Niger Delta
Process • Identify jointly with participants aquatic weeds and diseased fish. Discuss and demonstrate situations and
circumstances that can lead to stress and fish kill in the pond.
• Let participants brainstorm on ways to eliminate and control weeds.
• Discuss the good management and environmental practices that will reduce and eliminate fish diseases.
• Group discussion
• Cutlasses
• Rakes or hooks attached to poles.

Reference Notes
Aquatic weed infestation causes serious problems in fish culture. These include stress and fish kill by:
• Oxygen depletion and gill entanglement.
• Fouling (and further oxygen depletion) by decomposition of dead weeds.
• Provision of shelter and breeding places for disease, vectors and predators.
• Contribution to water loss by evapo-transpiration.
• Reduction in primary productivity by covering or shading the water surface as well as restriction of fish movement
and netting operation.
Common weeds in fish culture can be classified into filamentous algae and floating, emergent, submerged and marginal
weeds. Some routine general management measures to control aquatic weeds include weeding by hand, cutlasses, rakes or
hooks attached to poles.
Fish disease and loss could be due to overcrowding, nutritional deficiencies and/or eutrificated environment and water
quality. Well-fed, non-crowded fish are less likely to develop disease. Fish disease control measures include the following
activities:
• Dry and treat the pond regularly. Apply lime to destroy pathogens and unwanted eggs.
• Supply and maintain good-quality water (prevent inflow of runoff).
• Screen the pond inlets properly to prevent entry of wild fish, etc.
• Stock good-quality, healthy and disease-free fingerlings.
• Avoid overcrowding of ponds.
• Provide complete, balanced feeds to avoid nutritional diseases.
• Avoid overfeeding and the use of decaying or moldy feeds.

Session 6.1: Fish sorting
Session 6.2: Checking pond conditions (water quality parameters)
Session 6.3: Maintaining an improved pond environment
Session 6.4: Performing health check on fish
Session 6.5: Sampling for growth and feeding rates
Session 6.6: Keeping records on fish pond culture
Session 6.1: Fish sorting
Session Objectives
• Enumerate the number of fish in the pond.
• Determine the biomass of the pond so as to apply the correct feed quantity.
• Visually estimate the health status of fish and know the treatment needed if they are at risk.
• Grade fish according to sizes.
MODULE6:FishPondMaintenance
Fishes are sorted at three months.

Session Guide
• Partial and total draining of pond
• Fish handling during counting and weighing
• Calculation of biomass and amount of feed required
• Restocking of pond
• Treatment of sick fish using broad-spectrum antibiotics and antistress drugs
Reference Notes
Maintaining a healthy fish pond involves sorting fish by size, determining the biomass of the pond, restocking the pond,
applying the correct quantity of feed and treating sick fish.
The water from the pond is drained during the ebb tide to avoid the collapse of the dike. The pond is drained to the level
that accommodates dragging the pond with dragnets. Using dragnets helps control the stress level of the fish. The fish
are placed in basins that are connected to the aerator to increase the oxygen level of the pond water. Antistress drugs are
added to the basins at the ratio of 5 milliliters of drug to 100 liters of water. The ponds are then completely drained, and
the fish are caught using hand nets or plastic sieves. Hand catching is not advisable because it may cause harm to the fish
or the farmer.
After all the fish are removed, grading according to sizes is done at the sorting table. The number of fish are also counted
and weighed to estimate the biomass of the fish stocked in each of the ponds.
Repairs to the pond may also be carried out during sorting. In the case of an outbreak of disease, the fish are treated in
tanks before they are reintroduced to the ponds. The treatment is done using broad-spectrum antibiotics and antistress
drugs.
Process • Teach and demonstrate how to drain the pond to a level that will enable drag netting the fish.
• Discuss the grading of fish according to size as well as the enumeration of fish.
• Teach and demonstrate how to weigh fish and determine the biomass of the pond so as to decide the
amount of feed needed.
• Teach and demonstrate how sick fish are treated and reintroduced to the pond and how necessary repairs
are made to the pond.
• Practical demonstration by Trainer
Material Needed • Visual aids • Water pump
• Drag net • Hand net
• Sorting table • Weighing balance
• Basins • Drugs
• Aerator • Generator

Session 6.2: Checking pond conditions (water quality parameters)
Session Objectives
• Test and interpret correctly water acidity (pH), dissolved oxygen level, turbidity (transparency), salinity, temperature,
pathogens and pollutants.
• Identify and maintain good-quality pond water.
• Identify symptoms of bad-quality water and make amends.
• Identify and correctly use water testing equipment such as the Secchi disc.
Session Guide
• Essence of water quality parameter monitoring
• Water quality parameters to be monitored routinely
• Use of equipment in water quality testing
• Symptoms of bad-quality water
• Corrective actions
Reference Notes
The quality of water used for fish culture is one of the significant factors affecting fish yield. The maintenance of water
quality in optimum levels is a prerequisite for good health in any cultured aquatic organisms. The water quality indicates
the status of health of fish, health of plankton bloom and condition of the pond bottom.
For optimum performance of cultured fish, good-quality water should have the following characteristics:
• Neither too acidic or alkaline (pH)
• Contains enough dissolved oxygen
Process • Introduce the session by informing participants why monitoring the water quality parameters is essential to
assess the pond environment.
• Enumerate, teach and demonstrate the important water quality parameters to be monitored routinely.
• Allow participants to demonstrate the use and interpretation of the equipment available, such as the Secchi
disc, for testing water quality parameters.
• Tell and show participants how measurement can take place without some equipment (e.g., using one’s hand
to estimate transparency).
• Practice of learning by participants
• Secchi disc
• Thermometer
• pH paper

• Not muddy or turbid (transparency)
• No offensive odor
• Has suitable temperature, salinity and color
• Free from pathogens and pollutants
Interactions between the water, fish, soil and other organisms during fish culture changes water quality parameters and
beyond certain tolerance levels, which imposes stress on the fish population. Therefore, the fish farmer must maintain
good water quality desirable for fish culture.
Key points in monitoring water quality parameters are as follows:
• Maintain green color of pond water (color that is too deep should be avoided).
• Desirable pH level is 6.5 – 9.0. When pH of water is constantly low (i.e., acidic), apply lime.
• Avoid or watch out for causes of low dissolved oxygen (e.g., fish on water surface gasping for air). If symptoms of low
dissolved oxygen are detected, take immediate action (e.g., stop fertilization, decrease feeding rate or renew water).
• Prevent runoff water from entering the pond by construction of proper drainage channels across flow of water.
• Prevent toxic pollution from entering the pond by proper site selection (locate pond away from industrial centers).
• Maintain water depth at 1 – 1.5 meters.
• Maintain pond water level, especially during the hot dry season.
• Remove thick black mud frequently from the pond bottom because it contains bacteria that lead to increased
biological oxygen demand (BOD) and oxygen depletion.
• Use a Secchi disc to measure transparency. An improvised Secchi disc (wooden pole painted black and white) or bare
hand can be used in the absence of a Secchi disc.

Session 6.3: Maintaining an improved pond environment
Session Objectives
• Identify suitable water depth for the cultured fish.
• Maintain a healthy plankton bloom in pond water.
• Maintain appropriate pond water alkalinity (20 mg/liter or above).
• Apply lime and fertilizer to maintain suitable plankton bloom and alkalinity.
Session Guide
• Appropriate water depth for pond culture
• Maintaining a healthy plankton bloom in pond water
• Fertilization and liming to maintain plankton bloom and alkalinity
Reference Notes
An improved pond environment can result in increased and sustainable yield. The sustainable water depth for many
cultured fish (1 to 1.5 meters) should be maintained. Most rural small ponds have shallow water depth because farmers
are unable to provide deep water for fish due to problems with incorrect pond elevations. Shallow water area causes
problems due to fluctuations in water quality parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH.
Farmers should maintain a healthy plankton bloom in pond water. Sufficient nutrients, carbon dioxide and sunlight
are needed to maintain a healthy plankton bloom in pond water. Nutrients are supplied in the form of fertilizers, food
and waste produced from fish while carbon dioxide is supplied from the atmosphere, respiration of fish, respiration of
plankton and, most importantly, from liming.
Good alkalinity levels prevent unfavorable pH fluctuations in pond water. Farmers should maintain pond water alkalinity
at 20 mg/liter or above through appropriate liming. The lime required (e.g., calcium carbonate) is estimated from the
pH of the water.
Process • Teach and demonstrate how to maintain an improved pond environment.
• Discuss what a suitable water depth for fish culture is.
• Allow participants to demonstrate their learning by allowing questions and answers.
• Teach and demonstrate how to maintain a healthy plankton bloom and appropriate pond water alkalinity
through the application of lime and fertilizers.
• pH paper
• Lime
• Fertilizer

Session 6.4: Performing health check on fish
Session Objectives
• Identify disease conditions.
• Diagnose the cause of fish disease.
• Enumerate environmental factors that cause fish stress.
• Check the health of fish during culture (e.g., visual check to observe deviation from normal behavior).
• Examine fish skin, fins, eyes, gills and body shape to detect abnormalities.
Session Guide
• What is disease condition?
• Disease diagnosis
• Environmental factors that cause stress
• Visual checks and observation of fish behavior
• Examination of fish skin, fins, eyes, gills and body shape
Reference Notes
A fish disease condition is any abnormality in function, structure or behavior of the fish. Disease can be infectious or
non-infectious.
Diagnosis is the identification of the cause of disease. Major causes of fish diseases are stress due to environmental factors
and infections.
Process • Introduce the session by teaching the participants, using live examples, what is meant by disease conditions.
• Discuss the diagnosis of fish disease and enumerate and highlight environmental factors that can cause
stress and therefore diseases.
• Teach and demonstrate how to examine fish skin, fins, eyes, gills and body shape to detect diseases.
• Allow time for practice by participants.
• Hand nets
• Table

Environmental factors causing stress and therefore fish diseases include:
• Deterioration of water quality in the pond or in the water source.
• Acidic pond soil.
• Growth of toxic organisms such as algae.
• Spoiled or fouled pond bottom due to accumulated waste.
• Intake of water from affected water source or other ponds.
Farmers should periodically check the health of fish during the production cycle. Otherwise disease may go unnoticed
and cause unusual mortality of fish in the pond.
Health checks can be performed during fish culture by:
• Observation from the dike (visual checks).
• Observation on sampled fish at regular intervals.
Visual checks will help to detect deviations from normal behavior (e.g., unusually uneaten food or fish swimming near the
surface, sinking to the bottom, exhibiting loss of balance or lethargy, gulping air or flashing).
If fish behave abnormally, take a sample and examine fish skin and fins, eyes, gills and body shape to identify the actual
disease.

Session 6.5: Sampling for growth and feeding rates
Session Objectives
• Determine the growth rate of fish.
• Establish the health status of the fish.
• Extrapolate the biomass of each pond.
• Determine the weight of feed needed for the pond.
Session Guide
Pilot project participants sample the growth of fishes to determine appropriate feeding rates and detect abnormalities early.
Process • Remind participants how to get samples of the fish without causing stress in the pond.
• Teach and demonstrate how the fish are counted and weighed.
• Lead the participants to do some basic calculations to find average weight, total biomass of fish and amount
of feed required per day.
• Drag net
• Hand net
• Basin
• Weighing balance

• Removal of a fish sample from the pond
• Weighing and counting the fish sample
• Basic calculations:
–– Average weight of fish
–– Total biomass of fish
–– Amount of feed required to feed the pond per day
Reference Notes
Optimum management and maintenance of the pond requires monitoring the fish, particularly their growth and feeding
rates.
Sampling for growth and feeding rates helps ensure appropriate feeding and early detection of abnormal health conditions.
Uneaten feed pollutes the pond water and increase the cost of raising the fish.
Calculating the required feed involves the following steps:
1. Remove a fish sample from the pond using a hand net or drag net.
2. Weigh the sample and count the fish.
3. Divide the total weight of the sample fish by the number of fish in the sample to estimate average weight.
4. Multiply the estimated average weight by the number of fish in the pond to extrapolate the biomass of fish in the
pond.
5. Calculate the 5% feed requirement by dividing the extrapolated fish biomass by 100 and multiplying by 5.
The steps for calculating required feed are represented in the following basic formulae:
• Sample fish weight = SW
• Number of fish weighed = N
• Estimated number of fish in pond = TN
• Total biomass of pond = Tb
• Average weight of fish = SW/N
• Tb = SW/N × TN
• Amount of daily feed required = Tb × 5/100

Session 6.6: Keeping records on fish pond culture
Session Objectives
• Record and maintain all activities carried out during the culture period.
• Keep and utilize income and expenditure records.
• Record, analyze and utilize water quantity parameters, feed, growth records, etc.
• Develop a personal record-keeping system.
Session Guide
Process • Introduce the session by highlighting the reasons for keeping reliable records.
• Discuss the various types of records to be kept for fish pond culture activities (refer to the tables in the
appendices in this document).
• Work through some record-keeping exercises highlighting form use and relevance to aquaculture.
• Lead participants to develop their own record-keeping system by helping them develop a work plan
(individually).
• Group exercise
• Individual exercise
• Writing materials
• Record-keeping formats
• Record-keeping exercise
Time 2 hours, 30 minutes
Record of all farm transactions/activities should be properly captured

• Three reasons for keeping good records:
–– Investment evaluation
–– Development and improvement planning
–– Credit support
• The two major aspects of recording (account-keeping, operational activities)
• Key records to keep:
–– Inputs (stick material, fertilizers, lime, feed, etc.)
–– Water quantity parameter records
–– Cropping/harvest and sales records
–– Income and expenditure records, etc.
• The use of the various records
• Record-keeping exercise
Reference Notes
Keeping accurate records of fish pond culture activities in a notebook is of the utmost importance. Bookkeeping or
record-keeping can be said to be the core of fish farm management practices. Good record-keeping helps to achieve the
maximum possible rate of fish production.
The major reasons for keeping records are as follows:
• Investment Evaluation: Farming records help in evaluating the profitability and general economics of the fish pond
investment.
• Improvement Planning: Farming records provide vital management information for future planning, improvement
and development.
• Credit Support: Farming records provide necessary proof to obtain credit or funding support from financial
institutions and projects.
There are two major aspects of record-keeping in fish farming:
• Account Keeping: This concerns registering all receipts (sales, money received and incoming cash) and payments
(expenditures, money spent, outgoing cash).
• Operation Activities: This pertains to the description of the fish ponds/farm, plan of work, pre-stocking, stocking
and post-stocking operations as well as harvesting and sales details.
Some key records to keep regarding fish farm management are as follows:
• Records of pond construction (and maintenance) cost
• Records of inputs such as stock materials, fertilizers, manure, feeds, lime, etc.
• Cropping and harvesting and sales records
• All income and expenditure records
• Water quantity parameter, health and disease records, etc.

Fish farming record-keeping exercise
A fish farmer recorded the following transactions in
his journal for the month of June 2012:
Income and Expenditure for June 2012
June 3 – Bought farm tools for N15, 000 Income (N) Expenditure (N)
June 4 – Paid loan of N40, 000 for inputs Receipt from sales 163, 000
June 6 – Received N80, 000 for sale of fish
June 7 – Received N13, 000 for sale of fish Business Expenses:
June 9 – Paid son’s school fees of N30, 000 Labor 12, 000
June 12 – Bought fish feed for N30, 000 Inputs (feed and fertilizer) 39, 000
June 13 – Received N70, 000 for sale of fish Loan repayment 40, 000
June 13 – Transport fish to the market for N6, 000 Equipment/tools 15, 000
June 16 – Bought son’s school books for N6, 000 Transportation 6, 000
June 20 – Paid N9, 000 for fertilizer Total Business Expenses: 112, 000
June 26 – Paid worker 1, 000 per day for 12 days
Personal Expenses:
School fees
School books
30, 000
6, 000
Required: Total Personal Expenses: 36, 000
1. Classify the items in the journal to income, business,
expenses and personal expenses
2. Did the farmer make a profit in the month? Total Expenses 148, 000
Profit/loss: 163,000 – 148,000 = 15,000 (profit)

MODULE7:FishFeedsandFeeding
Session 7.1: Fish feeds
Session 7.2: Fish feeding
Session 7.1: Fish feeds
Session Objectives
• Formulate a complete, balanced diet by combining different nutrients in different proportions.
• Prepare feeds in small quantities to avoid prolonged storage with possible physical losses and nutrient deterioration.
• Package and store feed in sealed containers.
Session Guide
Process • Teach participants the role of supplementary feed and feeding in pond culture.
• Discuss the sources of supplementary feeds.
• Demonstrate the formation of a complete, balanced diet by the combination of different nutrients in
different proportions.
• Discuss the preparation, packaging and storage of feeds.
• Agricultural byproducts
• Industrial residue
• Animal byproducts
• Wastes
Fish feed being inoculated and mixed with broad spectrum antibiotics

• Role of supplementary feeds
• Sources of supplementary feeds
• Formulation of a complete, balanced fish diet
• Preparation, packaging and storage of feed
Reference Notes
Fish growth and yields are usually much higher when liming, fertilization and supplementary feeding are practiced.
Supplementary feeds are usually obtained from agricultural byproducts (e.g., brans) industrial residue (e.g., brewer waste),
animal byproducts (e.g., blood meals) and waste (e.g., chicken droppings). This cannot be optimal in fish production if
compounded feed is being used because use of the supplementary feeds will reduce the intake of compounded feed.
Complete, balanced diets are formulated by the combination of different essential nutrients in different proportions
(protein, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, minerals).
Consider the following key points on fish feed storage:
• Use locally available feedstuff to reduce the cost of making fish food
• Prepare feeds in small quantities to avoid prolonged storage with possible physical losses (from mold attack) and
nutrient deterioration
• Package and store dry feed in sealed containers
Some essential nutrients and their sources include:
• Protein – fish meal, groundnut cake, soya bean meal, blood meal, palm kernel cake and cotton seed cake
• Carbohydrate – cereal grains, meals and brans, cassava waste and fruits
• Lipids – groundnut, soya bean, palm kernel oil and fish oil
• Vitamins – vitamin pre-mix
• Minerals – bone meal, mineral pre-mix and common salt
Fish feed formulation involves the following steps:
1. Collect the raw feedstuff.
2. Weigh the required quantity of the feed ingredients
according to standard formulation specifications.
3. Grind the ingredients to powder.
4. Cook the mixture with a small amount of water, and
add cooked cassava or cornstarch as binder or gum.
5. Keep stirring the mixture as it cooks to get a constant
paste similar to bread dough.
6. Pelletize the feed by extrusion of the resulting dough
using a meat grinder or other device (e.g., perforated
cylindrical can).
7. Cut the pellet strands in uniform sizes with a knife.
8. Sun-dry the pellets.
9. Package or bag the dried pellets, and store for use as needed.
Inoculated feed being kept in the sun to dry

Session 7.2: Fish feeding
Session Objectives
• Apply feed for fish in the pond, using manual and/or mechanical methods.
• Identify and apply the Golden Rules for feeding fish.
• Observe the behavior and growth performance of the fish while feeding.
Session Guide
Process • Teach and demonstrate how fish are fed manually and mechanically.
• Discuss how to observe the behavior of the fish while feeding fish.
• Discuss the Golden Rules for feeding fish.
• Practical application
• Fish feed
A fish farmer feeding her fish

• Method of feeding:
–– Manual feeding
–– Mechanical feeding (demand feeder, automatic feeder)
• Golden Rules for feeding fish (feeding techniques, procedures and rules)
• Observation of behavior and growth performance during feeding
Reference Notes
The essence of feeding fish optimally is to shorten the production period and maximize profit. Fish can be fed by
supplementary feeds in manually and mechanically.
Manual feeding is carried out by a process called broadcasting, i.e., throwing feed into the pond by hand either on one
spot in the pond or over a wide area. One advantage of broadcasting is that the farmer can observe the behavior and
growth performance of the fish. It is, however, labor intensive.
Mechanical feeding is suitable for large-scale commercial fish farmers. It is capital-intensive, and it is performed by
demand-type or automatic mechanical feeders. A demand feeder makes feeds available to fish on demand. It operates
through a simple funnel-shaped device with a metal trigger hanging into the water. A measured amount of feed is
placed in the funnel, and the feed is released when the fish shakes the metal trigger. An automatic feeder is a clockwork-
programmed device that discharges a measured amount of feed at specified intervals in a day. It is highly capital-intensive
and not suitable for small-scale fish farmers.
Golden Rules for feeding fish are as follows:
1. Feed fish regularly twice daily, at specific times and place (by gradual broadcast until the fish cease to come up to
feed).
2. Never overfeed the fish. Uneaten feed pollutes the water and increases the cost of raising the fish. Drain part of the
pond water and replace with fresh water if you notice fouling.
3. Do not feed on harvest day. Stop feeding fish 24 to 48 hours before fish are harvested. This allows the fish to clean
their intestines and makes them better able to survive the stress of handling and transportation. It will also save feed.
4. Regulate feed quantities at cold season, using half-rations during cold season (below 20°C). Most tropical fish are off
feed when the temperature is below 20°C.

MODULE8:HarvestingandMarketing
Session 8.1: Harvesting and cropping the fish pond
and marketing cropped fish
Session Objectives
• Identify a fish that has attained market size.
• Apply basic fish harvesting techniques.
• Carry out both partial and total cropping.
• Identify and apply basic fish marketing techniques.
A worker harvests a fish pond after the fish stock or part of it attained market size.

MODULE8:HarvestingandMarketing
Session Guide
• Identification of market size fish
• Partial and total harvesting
• Basic selling techniques with reference to fish marketing
Reference Notes
Harvesting of a fish pond is undertaken when the fish stock or part of it has attained market size. The market size of fish
is determined by consumer acceptability and preference. Most fish species with proper feeding and management reach
market size within six to nine months of stocking and should be cropped within this period.
Harvesting and marketing fish involves the following steps:
1. Pump the pond water using the water pump until the water level is low enough for dragging to occur. Only complete
the pumping when there are enough buyers to ensure that the harvested fish are sold. This will avoid unnecessary
stress to the fish if they are not sold and need to be returned to the pond.
2. Drag the fish out of the pond, and measure them.
3. Display the fish to fish mongers and other interested buyers.
Consider the following key points on harvesting and marketing fish:
• Advertise three to five days ahead of harvest in previously identified markets.
• For convenience and cost reduction, make sales on the farm or make adequate arrangements to move cropped fish to
a previously identified market.
• Stop feeding fish one to two days before harvesting, and crop when weather is cool, especially early morning.
• For economic reasons and optimum profit, crop within six to nine months of raising the fish (maximum of
12 months), preferably during festival periods.
• Sort fish into size grades for marketing, and consider cost of inputs and ongoing local price rates before setting prices.
• Keep accurate records of yield and sales figures.
• For maximum returns, market fish live or smoked.
Process • Teach and demonstrate how harvesting and cropping (partial and total) are carried out.
• Allow participants to practice harvesting of fish.
• Discuss basic marketing techniques with reference to fish marketing.
• Practical application
• Water pump
• Drag nets
• Hand nets
• Basins
• Weighing balance
• Record book

Appendix1:Record-KeepingDocuments
Table 1: Pond Construction and Management Records
Date Operation/Particulars No.
Labourers
Time Spent
(Days, Hours)
Cost(N) Remarks
A. Pond Construction
Land Acquisition
Land Clearing
Preparation
Excavation/Diking
Water Inlet/Drain
Total
B. Pond Maintenance
and Repairs*
Total
GRANDTOTAL
* In the rows that follow, indicate the type of pond repair or maintenance activity (e.g., pond dike, pond bottom, water inlet, water
outlet, mowing or grassing).
Fish Pond Owner ______________________ Pond No. _____ Site Location ___________________

Table 2: Fish Farm Equipment andTools
Date Item* Quantity Cost Unit (N) Total Cost(N)
*In the rows that follow, specify the items (e.g., buckets, basin, basket, pots, rakes, cutlass, hand net (scoop net), seine net, water pump).

Table 3: Input Records
Date Input type* Quantity (No,
Kg, items, Etc.)
Cost Unit (N) Total Cost(N) Remarks
*Input types include fish fingerlings (catfish, tilapia, carp, etc.), lime (agricultural lime, quicklime), manures (cow dung, poultry dung,
etc.), fertilizers (NPK, urea, etc.), feeds (cakes, cereals, pellets, etc.), fuel (where a pump is used, etc.) or pump hiring charges.
Total estimates of feeds from kitchen waste and miscellaneous sources could be filled in periodically (e.g., biweekly). Total cost of
formulated or commercial feeds should be filled in, indicating the type, the period of use, etc.

Table 4: Daily Operational Labor Records
Date OperationsType Time spent*
(Days, hours)
Cost Unit (N) Remarks
*In the rows that follow, specify each type of operation on a separate line for each date (e.g., pond weeding, harvesting, netting, security,
stocking, environment sanitation, feeding, and fertilization).

Table 5: Harvest and Sales Record
Date Type of Fish Crop* Quantity Kg (no.) Price or SalesValue (N) Total SalesValue (N)
*In the rows that follow, record adults (table-size fish) and fingerlings separately and specify species types. (e.g., adult tilapia, catfish;
fingerlings tilapia, catfish, others/unwanted fish).

Table 6: Monthly Costs and Sales Summary
Days12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031Total
Month1S
C
Month2S
C
Month3S
C
Month4S
C
Month5S
C
Month6S
C
Month7S
C
Month8S
C
Month9S
C
S=Sales;
C=Cost
Comments:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Table 7:Water QualityTest
Date pH Temperature °C Ammonia (mg/l) Nitrate (mg/l) Oxygen (mg/l) Turbidity cm (Transparency)

Table 8: Feeding Regime
Date Type of feed Size of feed
(mm)
Amount of feed
(km)
Estimated Weight
of Fish (kg)
Times fed
Daily
Remarks

Table 9: Sampling for Growth Rate
Date No of Fish
Sampled
Total Weight
(kg)
Average
Weight (kg)
EstimatedTotal
Weight of Fish (kg)
Remarks

Table 10: Sorting (Grading)
Date A – Previous B – Previous A – New B – New Remarks
Fish No. Average
Fish
Weight
(kg)
Fish No. Average
Fish
Weight
(kg)
Fish No. Fish
Weight
(kg)
Fish No. Fish
Weight
(kg)

Table 11:Abbreviations andTerms
Abbreviation Term
cm Centimeter
mm Millimeter
Kg Kilogram
PVC polyvinyl chloride
m2
square meter
SSP single super phosphate
CaCO3
calcium carbonate
pH potential of Hydrogen

Appendix 2: Indicators of Pond Environment Problems
Observation Indication
Water is transparent Less or no growth of plankton
Pond water may be acidic
Green or yellowish green color water Presence of healthy plankton bloom
Green color water Presence of high number of species in the plankton bloom
Brown color water Presence of zooplankton in the bloom or aged phytoplankton
Dark green color water Presence of very dense plankton
Dark green color water with large amount of stable foam Indicates a plankton crash (die off of plankton)
Black soft mud on the bottom Accumulated waste with high organic matter
Rotten egg smell from the pond Presence of hydrogen sulphide, very low or no oxygen at the
pond bottom
Stable foam on the surface of pond water Presence of high level of organic matter dissolved in water
Indicates a plankton crash (die off of plankton)
Fish swim around the surface or at the edge of the pond Fish is sick
Fish gulping, lethargy, fish rolling with belly-up Spoiled pond bottom
Fish flashing Oxygen-deprived condition due to gill or blood impairment of
fish
Spiral or corkscrew movement Indicates surface irritation due to superficial secondary
infections of surface lesions
Bottom and containing large number of chironomid worms Low dissolved oxygen in the pond bottom
Polluted pond water
Spoiled pond bottom
Snail climbing out of pond water Low dissolved oxygen in the pond
Heavy growth of zooplankton Buildup of organic matter
Appendix2:IndicatorsofPondEnvironmentProblems

© 2014 Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND). All rights reserved.
Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta
www.pindfoundation.org
Proudly Supported by Chevron
For more information contact:
Economic Development Center
No. 1 PIND-EDC Drive
Egbokodo-Itsekiri,Warri
Delta State
Nigeria
Telephone: +234 (0) 810 8093 192
Email: info@pindfoundation.orgII
Foundation for Partnership
initiatives in the Niger Delta
(PiND)
25 Jimmy Carter Street
Asokoro,Abuja
Nigeria.
Telephone: 09 291 0454
Email: info@pindfoundation.org

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