Growth characteristics of hybrid snake-head (Channa argus × C. maculate) in Guangxi pond culture

ObjectiveThe growth characteristics of hybrid snake-head were analyzed to provide references for promoting pond culture in Guangxi.MethodThe fry of hybrid snake-head was imported from Guangdong Province and raised in pond in Liuzhou region of Guangxi for a growth cycle. The body length and body weight of fish samples were measured every month, and the water temperature was measured every day.ResultAfter 7 months’ pond culture, the yield of adult fish approached to 53256.0 kg/ha, and the survival rate was 90.6%. From May to December of the year, the body length of hybrid snake-head grew with the average monthly growth of 1.1-7.4 cm. The growth curve of body length was almost the same with the change curve of water temperature. Over the same period, the body weight of hybrid snake-head also showed an obvious increment trend with the average monthly growth of 16.2-178.2 g. The slope of growth curve of body weight was steeper than that of body length.ConclusionThese test results indicate that pond culture for hybrid snake-head is greatly feasible in Guangxi, and hybrid snake-head is more suitable than tilapia in northern and central region of Guangxi.