Pond owners should note that stingrays are relatively easy to raise, as they don't require highly specialized conditions. Any land-based or cement ponds with a sufficient water supply and good water quality can be used for stingray farming. Typically, the pond depth should be around 1.5 meters, with an area ranging from 1 to 4 acres. Ten to fifteen days before stocking, lime slurry is applied at a rate of 130 kg per mu across the entire pond. The following day, the pond is filled with water to a depth of 0.8–1 meter for disinfection. Over the next three to four days, 300 kg of fermented organic fertilizer per mu is added to encourage the growth of natural food organisms for the stingrays.
Stingray fingerlings are usually stocked between March and April each year. A typical stocking density is 2,000–3,000 fingerlings per acre, with each weighing about 10–20 grams. To optimize space and food resources while facilitating water quality control, other species such as squid (600 per mu), small fish (200 per mu), and larvae (200 per mu) can be mixed in. Before stocking, the fingerlings are briefly immersed in a 3%–5% saline solution for 10 minutes. Yellow sturgeon are introduced first, followed by other species after 10 days to promote the growth of the main fish.
Stingrays are omnivorous and can be fed a variety of foods, including animal-based feeds like small fish, shrimp, snail meat, and livestock by-products, as well as plant-based feeds such as soybean cake, peanut meal, bran, and bean dregs. Artificial compound feed can also be used. A recommended formula includes: 15% fishmeal, 35% soybean cake, 30% bran, 5% corn, 5% eucalyptus leaves, 8.5% barley, 1% growth hormone, and 0.5% salt. Daily feeding amounts range from 2% to 7% of the fish’s body weight, typically given once in the afternoon. Morning feed accounts for one-third of the daily total, while the afternoon portion makes up two-thirds. Water changes are performed every 15–20 days in April–June, and every 7–10 days in July–September, adding 10–15 cm of water each time to maintain a water clarity of approximately 35 cm.
For home pond culture, a small number of stingrays can be raised alongside traditional fish species. A common stocking rate is 60–70 stingrays per acre, each weighing 30–40 grams. The proportion of the main cultured species remains consistent with conventional methods, and management follows standard fish farming practices. Under existing conditions, without additional investment, more than 10 kg of stingrays can be harvested per acre.
Cage culture is another effective method. Cages are made of polyethylene mesh, typically 2–3 cm in size, with a cage area of 12–24 m² and a depth of 2 meters. Bamboo or wooden frames are used, with floating cylinders made of foam and pebbles at the bottom. One week before stocking, cages are submerged in water to allow algae to grow on the mesh, reducing the risk of injury to the fish. These cages are placed in lakes, reservoirs, or rivers with clean, oxygen-rich water, spaced 2–3 meters apart.
Fish are introduced before and after the Spring Festival. Prior to stocking, fish are dipped in 5% saline to reduce stress. A typical stocking density is 100–150 fish per square meter. Some groupers or small tilapia can also be added to the cage to help utilize feed and keep the environment clean. Artificial compound feed is ideal for cage-raised stingrays, usually given twice daily. The daily feeding amount is 3%–6% of the fish's body weight. Regular monitoring of fish behavior and feeding patterns is essential to adjust feed quantities appropriately. Cages should be cleaned every 5–7 days, and any debris around the cage removed. It's also important to check for damage to prevent fish from escaping.
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