New sandfish farming model to be replicated

KHÁNH HÒA — The south-central coastal province of Khánh Hòa has successfully farmed sandfish with other aquatic species under a new model developed by the Research Institute for Aquaculture No 3 under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. 

Breeding sandfish and babylon snails at an experimental farm at the Research Institute for Aquaculture No. 3 in Khánh Hòa Province.  VNA/VNS Photo Phan Sáu

Previously, farmers caught sandfish in the wild, where the stock is now declining. Sandfish have high nutrient value and are in high demand for food and medicine.

The research institute in the province's Nha Trang City, however, was able to produce sandfish juveniles that can be used for commercial purpose. They can now be farmed in ponds or in the sea using seabed cages, covers and pens.

The model will be expanded to other parts of the country, according to Nguyễn Đình Quang Duy, deputy head of the institute.

“Sandfish farming techniques are simple, require less tending and low investment,” he said.

The institute early this year instructed farmers in the province to breed sandfish with shrimp or babylon snails.

The polyculture model has been effective as sandfish eat organic waste on the pond floor, creating a clean environment for other aquatic species in the pond.  

Đồng Văn Hải in Vạn Ninh District’s Vạn Hưng Commune said he had been successful cultivating sandfish, babylon snails and sea grapes under the polyculture model.

Sandfish juveniles can reach a market size of 250-300 grammes each after eight to 10 months of breeding, and the survival rate at market size is about 80 per cent.  

Sandfish and babylon snails are suitable for breeding in the south-central coastal region. Sandfish have the highest value and dried sandfish can be purchased for US$200-400 a kilogramme.  

Khánh Hòa is considered the aquaculture hub of the south-central region. It has a long coast, clean seawater, acceptable saline level for aquaculture, little temperature changes between seasons, and many bays and islands.