Starter

A strong start is essential

Fry and Fingerling
Starter
Grower
Finisher
Broodstock
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Main target in this stage
A strong start, fast growth and healthy fish
The starter stage is crucial for your fish’s performance throughout the entire production cycle. Some farmers call this the ‘nursery stage.’ Essentially, this stage focuses on providing your fish with the best possible start for healthy growth.

Transfer of fingerlings into grow-out ponds or cages

Before introducing fish into a grow-out pond or cage, keep them in nursery ponds or cages or use hapas. This way your fish are at the right density for optimal feeding. Use clean nets and check water quality, like temperature and oxygen. Recirculation systems need to be clean and the filter's bacterial population should be mature. Give the fish time to adjust to water temperature differences.
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How do you know you get the fingerlings you paid for?

Count and check fingerlings before purchase by weighing or counting a fixed volume, like one cup, and averaging. Weigh batches to verify quantities and record details during counting. Alternatively, count fingerlings when releasing them into ponds or cages. Tracking fingerling quality during the culture period ensures better outcomes. Always be present during counting to ensure accuracy.
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How often do I need to feed my fish in this stage?

Feed your fish often since they cannot accommodate a lot in their stomachs. As soon as the feed is digested, they can eat again. As the fish grow, the feeding frequency is reduced. Typical feeding frequency in the beginning of the starter stage is 5 - 6 times a day, slowly reduced to 3 towards the end of this stage. Always observe your fish to finetune.
Use the available feeding tables as a guide

Frequently asked questions

Key questions in the starter stage

Optimal starter feeds should have high crude protein and fat content tailored to the species' needs. Use the right particle size (crumble or micro pellet) and type (floating or sinking) specific to the species. Palatability is crucial for encouraging intake. Select feeds designed for the starter stage that deliver  rapid, healthy growth and minimize waste.

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As long as the water is clean, fish can stay healthy and grow well. Water quality parameters like oxygen levels, ammonia levels, and water temperature directly impact fish health and therefore feeding and overall performance. These parameters can change with environmental factors and feeding practices. Therefore, it is essential to regularly monitor water quality to maintain optimal conditions for your fish.

Check recommended parameters and frequency of measurement

Start fish in groups of a similar size. If some grow much faster they become bigger, and they can dominate, take more food and eat smaller ones when they are twice the size. Keeping homogeneously sized fish ensures they all get enough food, avoid cannibalism.  As they grow to market size together, feeding, growth and sales of your harvested fish is easier to manage.

Ask your sales advisor about growing equally sized fish

Depends on system and on fish. You must balance the carrying capacity for oxygen, total ammonia and nitrate. However to know the right density there are some general points to consider: the fish needs to be able to get to the surface to eat to limit territorial behaviour.  Calculate carrying capacity for fish around harvesting time.

Check with your technical advisor to calculate the carrying capacity

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Joost Belt