The spiny frog, commonly known as Stonehenge, Phosphorus, and Bone Ridges, belongs to the class Amphibia, order Anura, and is widely recognized as a type of frog. The artificial breeding of these frogs plays a crucial role in ensuring a steady supply of seedlings for large-scale aquaculture. In Gutian County, Fujian Province, the "Qingyuan Spiny Frog Ecological Farm" has spent over a decade developing effective methods for raising spiny frogs. In 2004, they successfully achieved artificial reproduction of juvenile frogs, producing more than 10,000 individuals. This initiative not only helps adjust rural industrial structures but also promotes specialty aquaculture, enhances freshwater farming efficiency, and boosts income for farmers in inland areas.
The main techniques involved in the artificial breeding of spiny frogs include:
First, the cultivation and selection of parent frogs:
1. Site Selection and Construction of Parent Frog Pools: Spiny frogs should be raised in spring water sources that are clean, well-irrigated, and located in cool, shaded mountainous areas above 600 meters. Ideal water sources include natural springs and groundwater. The pools are typically concrete structures, around 1 meter high, with an area ranging from 3 to 5 square meters, and can go up to 10 square meters. The pool is rectangular, with a slight slope at the bottom and a water restriction hole 10–20 cm from the base. Water inlet pipes are placed on one side, while drainage holes are at the lowest point. The pools are equipped with land areas, rock caves, grasses, feeding platforms, awnings, and anti-escape nets. New pools must be washed several times (about a month) to remove alkalinity before disinfection and use.
2. Stocking Density and Feeding: The stocking density for parent frogs is generally 10–15 per square meter, reducing to 5–8 per square meter during the spawning season. The male-to-female ratio should be 1:1. The primary feed is quail, given once daily in the evening, with a daily amount of about 5% of the total weight of the frogs. Adjustments depend on climate, water temperature, and feeding behavior, aiming for a slight surplus on the following day.
3. Selection of Parent Frogs: Before hibernation, parent frogs are selected based on size (females above 150g, males above 200g), health, and absence of injury or disease. Only healthy frogs are used for breeding.
Second, artificial breeding:
1. Optimal Breeding Conditions: Spiny frogs breed best between 18°C and 26°C. In eastern Fujian's mountainous regions, the breeding season runs from late April to mid-September, with peak activity in late June. During this time, mature males call to attract females. After pairing, females release eggs, which are fertilized externally in water. A single female can spawn three times a year, laying between 400 to 1,000 eggs depending on size and age. Fertilized eggs are black on top and white underneath, with a sticky membrane. They swell in water and stick together, often attaching to pool walls, rocks, or artificial egg holders like nylon mesh bags. Fertilized eggs will turn upward after a few hours; unfertilized ones remain upside down. Natural fertility rates can exceed 90%.
2. Egg Collection and Hatching: Eggs are collected promptly during the breeding season to prevent them from sinking and dying due to hypoxia. Hatching pools are small concrete structures, 2 square meters in size, with 20cm of water. They can hold 4–5 groups of eggs per square meter. Maintaining proper water flow and removing unfertilized eggs is essential to prevent fungal infections. Under ideal conditions, hatching takes 7–8 days at 16–23°C or 4–5 days at 25–28°C, with a hatching rate exceeding 80%.
Third, rearing young frogs:
1. Dianchi Pool Setup: These pools should be structured, with an area of 10–30 square meters. Walls are cemented, and central platforms (frog islands) are built 1–3cm above the water surface to prevent drowning. Water depth is 20–30cm, with inlet and outlet openings to prevent escape. Black shade fabrics can be added to mimic their natural habitat.
2. Preparations Before Stocking: After construction, the pond is cleaned, filled with sand, and soaked in water for two weeks, with 3–4 flushes. Disinfection using lime, potassium permanganate, or bleach is done 7–10 days before stocking.
3. Feeding and Growth: After 4–5 days, when the yolk sac disappears, earthworms are introduced. Stocking density varies by age—1000–2000 per square meter for 10-day-old tadpoles, decreasing to 100–200 per square meter for older frogs. Proper sorting and grading help maintain healthy growth throughout the 30-day breeding period.
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