Pomfret Fish Farming, Types of Pomfrets – a Full Guide

Introduction to Pomfret fish farming

Pomfrets are known as perciform a fish that belongs to family Bramidae which lowers the fat. Pomfret is a fish that many enjoy doing in different circles for consumption. This Pomfret fish has been made in many processed foods that have a high taste to compete with fish species that come from upper-class fish. Not difficult enough for freshwater Pomfret cultivation. It all depends on the intention and perseverance of our business. Freshwater Pomfret arming which is classified as ferocious and includes everything that eats fish (omnivores).

A step by step guide to Pomfret fish farming in India

Pomfret is a cannibal and includes predatory fish. Pomfret cultivation can be done by sharing methods that can be done in soil ponds, tarps, and cages. It all depends on the needs and circumstances of our environment and this is the pompom factor of growth of speed fish.

Indian Pomfret

Pomfrets are one of the popular items in the menu of Indians and these can be found almost everywhere in the tropical sea of the Indo-pacific area. The fish can be spotted all along the coast of the Indian subcontinent. However, it is mainly found in Gujrat, Coasts of Bombay, Orissa, and Eastern coast of lower West Bengal. Pomfret is also called as Butterfish, and is available throughout India, perhaps to a greater degree in Maharashtra.

The three species of Pomfret fish, which are mainly found in Indian waters, include;

• Parastromateus niger (Black Pomfret)
• Pampus Sinesis (Grey Pomfret)
• Pampus argentius (Sliver Pomfret)

Silver Pomfret

The Silver Pomfret fish is the most common of these three species, followed by P.niger and P.chinensis. These are commonly found on the west and east coasts of India. Silver Pomfret is also called white Pomfret. This Silver Pomfret variety is found in India and is scientifically known as “Pampus argentus”. The fish first attains its maturity at 27 to 28 cm and it grows to a maximum size of about 33 cm. It spawns from October-December on the coasts of Mumbai and young ones of this species are found from January to March in the inshore areas. Elder varieties are caught between April and June.

This fish is identified by its unique physical features like;

• More or less rhomboidal shape
• A blunt nose
• A long, single dorsal fin
• A caudal fin with long lobes
• Pointed and highly extended lower caudal lobes

As the fishes grow older, their lobes shorten in length, and adults of this variety are silvery-white in color and have tiny silvery scales on their bodies. Though, they turn black in appearance when approximately 5 to 8 centimeters in size. On average, a fish of this type weighs about 1 kilogram and is nearly 30 centimeters long. The largest Silver Pomfret was found to be 2 kilograms in weight and having an approximate length of 40 centimeters. This is an offshore creature and usually prefers to live at a depth of 20 to 40 fathoms. It exists in the middle column of water but closer to the bottom. Silver Pomfrets are usually silver or white, with few small scales. They can grow up to a range of 4–6 kg.

Grey Pomfret

Grey Pomfret is larger, heavier, and broader in size than the silver variety and consists of shorter caudal lobes. As the name indicates, this is grayish. It is commonly found in the Gulf of Kutch than in the southern regions. Of the three species, the Silver Pomfret fish is most common. Pomfret fish is fished extensively in the Arabian Sea from September to January and the season is at its height from October to the end of the year.

Black Pomfret

Black Pomfret or Halwa is a seawater fish with one single bone. It is found in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans. Pomfret fish have flat bodies and deeply forked tails. They are cooked fresh and are either fried or steamed and they do not have a strong odor and aftertaste that most of the saltwater fish have. It is a popular menu item in Tamilnadu hotels. Pomfrets are prepared whole after removing the inner organs from the fish’s body. The Pomfret fish is at its best taste when they are cooked fresh. It is low in calories and fat. It is rich in protein which is why it helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and also helps to muscles. It contains high amounts of omega 3 fatty acids, components for the development of the brain.

The retail cost of Pomfret fish

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The cost of white Pomfret is approximately Rs. 599/ Kilogram

Cost of silver Pomfret fish is approximately Rs 700/ Kilogram

Black Pomfret fish is approximately Rs 500/ Kilogram

Distribution of the Pomfret

As is the case with habitat preference, each species of Pomfret fish has its unique range and distribution. Some live across vast expanses of ocean, while others occupy just a small range.

The group, as a whole, ranges throughout the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. You can find large Pomfret numbers in the Sea of Japan, as well as the Mediterranean and Norwegian Seas.

Preparation of pond for Pomfret fish farming

The preparation is the same as the preparation of aquaculture ponds in other fish species.

Importance of pond preparation in Pomfret fish farming

The important component of the fish farming business is to prepare a pond properly. Without the construction of a well-prepared fish pond, it is not possible to start or run any fish farming business. The importance of pond preparation in fish farming is given below.

• Aquatic plants and animals which are harmful to fish are controlled
• Cannibalistic and unwanted fishes are removed
• A healthy environment of the pond is preserved
• Optimum pH for fish production is maintained
• Availability of the feed for the cultured fish is ensured

The pond bed has to be dried until cracks appear on the soil surface. The top layer of the soil containing accumulated waste matter from the previous crop of fish has to be removed. Plowing is done to overturn the soil to a depth of about 30 cm. Feeding areas, corners, and side ditches in the pond have to be tilled, leveled, and dried to avoid the formation of black soil. The water pH level of 7.5-8.5 would be ideal for farming Silver Pomfret. Quantity of lime applied during pond preparation depends on the pH level of the soil; the dose has to be calculated accordingly. Filling the pond with water has to be done after firmly covering the inlet pipe with two layers of fine (100 microns) mesh to prevent the entry of unwanted fishes and predators. A week before stocking, the pond should be fertilized with either organic manure or inorganic fertilizers to stimulate plankton production

Pond drying – The bottom of the pond is dried to remove the unwanted fish species and drying is done until the soil cracks. Drying ensures the oxidization of harmful substances and mineralization of organic matters.

Make the dike of the pond taller –   The common problem of the rainy season for most of the ponds is that flood can carry away fishes of the pond. If the pond is located in an area that is closer to the river or stream, then taller embankment or dike is a must. It must be at least 2 to 3 ft higher than the highest level of water in the pond. This can be done easily and automatically during the time of digging or demudding. Sand removed during de-mudding or digging can be used to make dikes taller. Otherwise, sandbags can be used to make the dikes or embankments taller.

Here we discuss the cultivation of Pomfret in ponds and pool size can vary depending on speed and location that we have. Commonly used size 5 M x 10 M 2 M but the depth of the pool is not enough you can use the method of cultivation in tarpaulin ponds. After the pond has been prepared, the pond must first be dried until the ground cracks are mainly to kill bacteria and micro-organisms that can cause bad diseases in fish when cultivation is in progress. The sprinkles the compost at the bottom of the pond until it is evenly distributed with a thickness of about 30 cm.

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Fertilizers usage in Pomfret fish farming

Pond fertilization should be carried out to regulate soil pH to stabilize acidic levels and also for natural food that will live in pond water. Such as plankton and water fleas will become the natural food of fish on the first day the seeds are sown. Fertilizer used is lime fertilizer and urea. Spread fertilizer to be mixed on the surface of the pond with sufficient doses in each of the most important corners, as well as different pH levels and acidity of the soil.

Filling water and seed spreading for Pomfret fish farming

Water filling is carried out to a height of 50-70 cm due to maintaining a stable pH level and acid levels. When there is a drop in water it can be refilled immediately. After the fish pond is filled with water for about 15 days aiming to revive phytoplankton and water fleas which will become natural fish food.

Stocking of seeds is good in the morning and at night time. Seeds are not directly stocked into fish ponds because they can cause stress. After all, fish are still vulnerable to the environment / new habitat. For that, we use another alternative to prepare a tub or bucket to take pool water that will be used for fish farming then leave it for 30 minutes so that the fish can adjust to the pond water environment.

Feed requirement in Pomfret fish farming

The fish feed can be given 781-2 SP fish pellet feed that is sized according to the age of fish cultured fish and the fish with good nutrition. Using feeds that have 30% protein content, 30% carbohydrates, and about 20% fat levels that triggerfish growth will have a fast growth rate. And feeding is done in the morning, afternoon, evening, and night time. And eating at night more compared to others as during the night period is longer to arrive at the next feeding.

Feed storage

Feed preparation should be done on a logical approach for simple formulations that should be location-specific and resource-oriented using a large proportion of alternative protein sources with due consideration for less expensive feeds to support sustainable and economically sound aquaculture systems. Establishment of regional feed centers must be given due priority to understand and identify farmers’ feed related problems for their development that may go a long way to village level production of improved farm-made feeds through small feed mills, particularly by small farmers who account for more than 80% in India.

Because fish feeds contain relatively high amounts of fish meal and fish oil, they are very susceptible to rancidity. Also, ascorbic acid is highly volatile but critical to normal growth and development of most fish species. For these reasons, fish feeds must be purchased frequently, ideally at least once a month and more frequently if possible. Feeds must be stored in a cool, dry place and should never be kept on hand for more than 3 months. The refrigeration of dry fish feeds is not recommended because of the high moisture content of that environment. Freezing is an acceptable method of extending the shelf life.

Pomfret fish care

Treatment is carried out every day we give every time we feed we should observe the behavior of fish in the cultivation constraints that are found and what, how to how to handle it. And provide vitamins for fish once every about 1 week during cultivation.

Commonly asked questions about Pomfret fish farming

Why Pomfret is expensive?

Pomfret is unique to the sub-continent, but Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi restaurants around the world have it on their menus. The Pomfret is an elitist fish and it is highly in demand and, therefore, expensive.

Is Pomfret fish good to eat?

Pomfret is a type of Butterfish that is widely found in South Asia, including the Indian Ocean. Delicious in taste, this Pomfret fish is rich in protein and has a tremendous amount of omega 3 fatty acids.

Is Pomfret a freshwater fish?

The Pomfret fishes thrive in freshwater ponds and lakes. Pomfrets belong to the Stromateidae family and growing it in an artificial saltwater pond is not economically feasible.

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