o Sub-competency: Acclimatize fish fingerlings
o Code: TLE_AFGOO9-12FS-a-e-1

Introduction:
• Fish farmers need a reliable supply of
healthy fingerlings to stock grow-out
ponds. Farmers can produce their
own fingerlings, purchase the
fingerlings from hatcheries, or use a
combination of both options.

Introduction:
• Fingerlings have to be handled several times before stocking
into ponds. The handling and husbandry at the hatchery, during
transportation and subsequent stocking into ponds, can
determine the success or failure of the grow-out phase. Poor
husbandry can result in high mortalities or diseased fish.
Problems with the fish may be noticed immediately or over a
period of a few weeks following stocking.

Introduction:
• Signs of stressed and/or diseased fish include emaciation (big
head-small body), lethargy, loss of appetite, lesions or "patchy"
skin, unusual color, "flashing", frayed tails and fins, or opaque
eyes. These signs may be associated with or precede
mortalities.
• By following some simple procedures, the likelihood of these
problems, occurring can be minimized.

• Place your order well in advance discussing
issues such as mean weights, grading, weaning
status (feed type and crumble/pellet size), size
of order, parental genetics, cost and payment
arrangements and delivery details.

• Place your order well in advance discussing
issues such as mean weights, grading, weaning
status (feed type and crumble/pellet size), size
of order, parental genetics, cost and payment
arrangements and delivery details.

• Fingerlings harvested from a pond at the hatchery should be
quarantined (stocked into tanks) and placed in a 5g/l NaC1
for at least 3 days. The salt solution reduces stress, prevents
fungal infection and parasitic infestations. This process also
allows the hatchery management to grade fish, discard weak
fish or non-target species and "settle" (4 to 6 days) the fish
prior to delivery to the farms. This process will ensure the fish
are healthy and capable of withstanding the stress of
transportation.

TRANSPORTATION
PREPARATION
Be prepared to receive the fingerlings. Have the tanks or ponds
cleaned, filled and operational and check the water supply, aeration,
pumps, etc are functioning correctly. Predator netting should be
provided and a supply of appropriately sized feed on hand.

TRANSPORTATION
INSPECTION
Before unloading the fish, make sure the order has been filled correctly
(species and number) and the fish appear healthy.

TRANSPORTATION
QUARANTINE
It is strongly advised to quarantine the fingerlings in tanks on arrival at
the farm. Treatment with salt and a "settling" period of 3-4 days should
follow. Tanks should have an abundant supply of high-quality water and
aeration.

TRANSPORTATION
QUARANTINE
It is strongly advised to quarantine the fingerlings in tanks on arrival at
the farm. Treatment with salt and a "settling" period of 3-4 days should
follow. Tanks should have an abundant supply of high-quality water and
aeration.