Bionic rice eel seedling breeding device and breeding method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of bionic anti-escape rice eel seed raising device and breeding method thereof, it is related to aquaculture and rice planting field, including: ground cage, the bottom of the ground cage is equipped with support member;The bottom of the ground cage is equipped with at least one inlet and outlet;The habitat nest unit includes tee pipe, first receiving chamber and second receiving chamber;One end of the main channel is communicated with the inlet and outlet, and the other end of the main channel is communicated with the second receiving chamber;One end of the branch channel is communicated with the middle section of the main channel, and the other end of the branch channel is communicated with the first receiving chamber;Method includes creating ground cage bright and pipeline dark environment contrast before putting seedlings to induce eel fry to enter nest independently, static memory and vibration signal conditioned reflex domestication step;The device and method provide independent bionic habitat space for each eel, effectively avoid eel fight and residual food, and improve the survival rate of breeding.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to aquaculture and rice cultivation technology, specifically to a biomimetic anti-escape rice-eel farming device and its farming method. Background Technology

[0002] Eels are bottom-dwelling fish that, under natural conditions, prefer to inhabit mud burrows or the roots of aquatic plants in rice paddies, ditches, and ponds, exhibiting burrowing and solitary habits. Each eel needs its own habitat to avoid predators and attacks from other eels. Eels are highly favored by consumers for their rich nutrition and delicious meat, leading to continuously growing market demand. However, relying solely on wild eel resources in natural waters is insufficient to meet the increasing consumer demand, and wild eel catches are declining year by year. Therefore, artificial eel farming has become an inevitable choice to meet market supply.

[0003] Current artificial aquaculture techniques primarily employ high-density intensive farming in cement ponds or net cages. This method, which involves stocking multiple eels together in a confined space, violates the eels' natural solitary instincts. Under these limited conditions and lack of shelter, frequent contact between individuals easily leads to fierce territorial disputes and fighting, resulting in injuries, disease, and even death, severely impacting survival rates and economic benefits. Furthermore, the stress from fighting inhibits normal feeding and growth in the eels.

[0004] To address these issues, some techniques have attempted to place tiles, bamboo tubes, or plastic pipes in the breeding ponds as hiding places for eels. However, these hiding places are mostly short, independent pipes with little connection or functional partitioning between them. This makes it difficult for eels to enter and exit, and the pipes easily accumulate mud, sand, and excrement, making it difficult to maintain a clean habitat in the long term. When faced with threats, eels also have difficulty escaping to a safe space quickly, resulting in limited effectiveness in preventing escape and cannibalism.

[0005] Therefore, the existing technology lacks a rice-eel farming device and farming method that can simulate the natural solitary cave environment of eels, provide each eel with an isolated independent habitat, and have self-cleaning and sewage discharge functions. The problem of eels fighting and cannibalizing each other due to the lack of independent habitat has not yet been effectively solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a biomimetic anti-escape rice-eel farming device and its farming method to solve the problems in the prior art where eels fight and cannibalize each other and have low survival rates due to the lack of independent habitat space.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a biomimetic anti-escape rice-eel farming device, comprising:

[0009] A ground cage, wherein the bottom of the ground cage is provided with a support member for erecting the ground cage above the field surface and keeping it suspended; the bottom of the ground cage is provided with at least one inlet and outlet;

[0010] and at least one habitat / nest unit;

[0011] The habitat / nest unit includes a three-way pipe fitting, a first storage chamber, and a second storage chamber; the three-way pipe fitting has an inclined main channel and a branch channel connected to the middle section of the main channel, one end of the main channel is connected to the inlet / outlet, and the other end of the main channel is connected to the second storage chamber;

[0012] One end of the branch channel is connected to the middle section of the main channel, and the other end of the branch channel is connected to the first storage room; the second storage room is buried below the field surface and is equipped with a sewage discharge interface;

[0013] The cage is provided with a biological passage opening, and an intercepting mesh is provided at the biological passage opening. The aperture of the intercepting mesh is larger than the aperture of the main mesh of the cage.

[0014] Furthermore, the inner diameters of the first and second storage chambers are both larger than the inner diameter of the main channel. The first storage chamber is provided with an air exchange hole, which is higher than the water surface. The second storage chamber, the main channel, and the branch channel are all provided with water exchange holes.

[0015] Furthermore, the branch channel is a U-shaped pipe, with one end of the branch channel connected to the middle section of the main channel and the other end of the branch channel connected to the first storage chamber.

[0016] Furthermore, the support member sets the distance between the bottom of the ground cage and the field surface to be 2-5 cm.

[0017] Furthermore, the mesh size of the main body of the ground cage is 0.3cm, and the mesh size of the intercepting mesh is 1cm.

[0018] Furthermore, the sewage outlet includes a suction conduit extending into the second storage chamber, with the inlet end of the suction conduit located at the bottom of the second storage chamber and the outlet end of the suction conduit used for detachable connection to an external suction device.

[0019] Furthermore, the bottom of the cage is provided with four inlets and outlets, each of which is connected to a group of habitat nest units, and the four habitat nest units together form a breeding unit.

[0020] Secondly, the present invention provides a method for rice-eel farming using the aforementioned apparatus, comprising the following steps:

[0021] S1. The ground cage is erected above the field surface and kept suspended, so that the inside of the ground cage is bright and the water flow is still, and the main channel, the branch channel, the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber are kept in a dark environment.

[0022] S2. When releasing the eel fry, slowly release them along the guide channel close to the entrance of the main channel, so that the eel fry can make their first visual contact with the dark entrance of the main channel and crawl in on their own. Then, seal the entrance of the main channel.

[0023] S3. After entering the nest, keep the device stationary and do not feed it for at least 48 hours.

[0024] S4. After the resting period, apply a vibration signal to the outside of the entrance of the main channel at a fixed time every day, and put bait at a fixed distance outside the entrance until the eel establishes a conditioned reflex between the vibration signal and the bait.

[0025] Furthermore, the vibration signal is the sound wave vibration generated by striking the frame of the ground cage; the fixed distance is 30cm outside the entrance end of the main channel.

[0026] Furthermore, loach and gudgeon parent fish are pre-released into the paddy field, and their naturally reproduced fry pass through the mesh into the trap to serve as live bait for the eels.

[0027] Compared with existing technologies, the present invention provides a biomimetic anti-escape rice-eel farming device and its farming method. By setting up independent habitat units connected to the bottom of the trap, each habitat unit can only accommodate one eel, thus achieving physical isolation between eels. This effectively avoids fighting and cannibalism caused by multiple eels competing for territory when they share the same space, reduces the risk of eel skin damage and disease transmission, and improves the survival rate of farmed eels.

[0028] The habitat nest unit adopts an inclined channel structure formed by a three-way pipe fitting. The main channel, branch channels, first storage chamber and second storage chamber together form a dark and narrow biomimetic cave environment, which conforms to the natural habit of eels to prefer darkness and live in burrows. When releasing the eels, by creating a strong contrast between the bright environment inside the trap and the dark environment inside the pipe, the eels are induced to actively crawl into the dark pipe and form a nest memory. This allows the eels to recognize the pipe as a safe habitat and a refuge from predators, which not only prevents the eels from escaping, but also enhances their sense of security and reduces stress response.

[0029] The fish trap is elevated above the field surface by supporting components. Combined with the inclined main channel and the low-lying enclosed second collection chamber, the fish excrement and the silt accumulated in the channel automatically fall out of the fish trap or settle at the bottom of the second collection chamber under the action of gravity, achieving solid-liquid separation and local self-cleaning. The second collection chamber can regularly discharge sediment through the sewage outlet, reducing the frequency of manual cleaning and maintaining the long-term cleanliness and hygiene of the habitat.

[0030] The biological passage and intercepting net on the fish trap allow small aquatic organisms to enter the trap and become live food for the eels, while blocking predators and ensuring the safety of the eels. The breeding method establishes a conditioned reflex through vibration signals and fixed-point feeding, so that the eels develop the habit of coming out of the hole to forage at regular times, which facilitates daily management and precise feeding and reduces feed waste.

[0031] Furthermore, compared with the prior art, the present invention also has the following beneficial effects:

[0032] First, the biomimetic independent tube nest design of "one tube for one eel" and the precise method of domestication and nest entry can isolate individual eels in space, satisfy the eels' strong territorial instincts, reduce injuries and deaths caused by fighting, and facilitate high-density farming.

[0033] Secondly, by designing a staggered nest structure, the eel's backward nesting behavior allows its excrement to settle under gravity into the second collection chamber located at the lowest point. Regular pumping removes the aquaculture waste in a proactive and centralized manner, which helps improve the bottom environment, reduce disease occurrence, and the pumped-out sludge can be used as fertilizer for rice cultivation.

[0034] Third, by establishing breeding populations of loach and gudgeon in rice paddies and using their naturally reproduced fry as live food for eels, a partial internal supply of food is achieved, reducing dependence on external food and lowering the risk of exogenous pathogens.

[0035] Fourth, the dual water exchange design of the cage mesh and the micropores of the pipe takes into account both the circulation of water inside and outside the cage and the control of natural enemies; the dedicated air exchange hole in the first storage chamber ensures the breathing needs of the eels in the nest; when releasing the fry, the contrast between light and dark is used to guide the eels to recognize the nest on their own, and vibration signals are used to establish conditioned reflexes during the breeding process, so that the breeding management process is in line with the natural habits of the eels.

[0036] Fifth, the sludge and eutrophic water discharged from the system can serve as fertilizer for rice, reducing the amount of chemical fertilizers used; the rice plants provide shade and shelter for eels and other live prey; the entire system forms a complex ecological system for material recycling. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure provided for an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view provided for an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the method steps provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0042] 1. Ground cage; 2. Supporting components; 3. Inlet and outlet; 4. Biological passage entrance; 5. Interception mesh; 6. Main passage; 7. Branch passage; 8. First storage chamber; 9. Second storage chamber. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] As attached Figure 1 To be continued Figure 3 As shown:

[0045] Example 1:

[0046] The present invention provides a biomimetic anti-escape rice eel farming device, including a ground cage 1 and a habitat nest unit.

[0047] The ground cage 1 is a wire mesh structure, mainly composed of wire mesh and a supporting frame. The wire mesh of the ground cage 1 has distributed mesh openings. A supporting member 2 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the ground cage 1, with the lower end of the supporting member 2 inserted below the field surface, thus supporting the ground cage 1 entirely above the field surface and maintaining a suspended space between the bottom of the ground cage 1 and the field surface. An inlet / outlet 3 is provided at the bottom of the ground cage 1, and the inlet / outlet 3 passes through the bottom mesh surface of the ground cage 1.

[0048] The nesting unit includes a T-joint, a first storage chamber 8, and a second storage chamber 9. The T-joint has a main channel 6 and a branch channel 7. The main channel 6 is a tubular channel, which is inclined. One end of the main channel 6 connects to the inlet / outlet 3 at the bottom of the cage 1, and the other end connects to the second storage chamber 9. The branch channel 7 can be connected to the main channel 6 by plugging, threading, or bonding, ensuring a sealed connection.

[0049] Branch channel 7 is a U-shaped pipe, with one end connected to the middle section of main channel 6 and the other end connected to the first receiving chamber 8. The first receiving chamber 8 is a closed cavity, its interior connected to the interior of main channel 6. Air exchange holes are provided on the cavity wall of the first receiving chamber 8, penetrating both the inner and outer walls. In use, the air exchange holes of the first receiving chamber 8 are above the water surface.

[0050] The second storage chamber 9 is a closed cavity, and its interior is connected to the main channel 6. The second storage chamber 9 is buried below the field surface. The second storage chamber 9 is equipped with a sewage discharge port, which is used to discharge the sewage accumulated inside the second storage chamber 9.

[0051] The fish trap 1 is also equipped with a biological passage 4, which is located on the side wall, top, and both ends of the fish trap 1. The biological passage 4 at the top of the fish trap 1 is equipped with a funnel ball containing feed. During production, the feed is used to lure small aquatic organisms into the fish trap 1, where they become live bait for the eels. The biological passage 4 is covered with an intercepting net 5, which is detachably connected to the fish trap 1, for example, by means of buckles, binding, or slots.

[0052] The working principle of the device provided in this embodiment is as follows:

[0053] In use, the device is placed in a rice paddy. The trap 1 is elevated above the paddy surface by the support structure 2, and the inside of the trap 1 forms an area for the eels to move and forage. The nesting and burrowing units are buried below the paddy surface, and the main passage 6, the branch passage 7, the first storage chamber 8, and the second storage chamber 9 form a dark environment.

[0054] Eels enter the main channel 6 through the inlet / outlet 3 from the trap 1. They ascend the main channel 6 to the middle section and then enter the branch channel 7, finally reaching the first collection chamber 8. Because the main channel 6 and branch channel 7 are dark environments, which aligns with the eels' natural tendency to seek darkness and avoid light, they tend to stay and inhabit these areas. The first collection chamber 8 is above the water surface, allowing the eels to breathe. Eel excrement and silt carried by the water flow fall from the first collection chamber 8 through the branch channel 7 back to the middle section of the main channel 6 under gravity, then slide down the sloping main channel 6 to the lower-lying second collection chamber 9 for sedimentation, achieving solid-liquid separation. The sludge in the second collection chamber 9 can be periodically discharged through the drain outlet. The water in the trap 1 can be exchanged with the paddy field water through the trap's mesh. Small aquatic organisms (such as small fish, shrimp, and aquatic insects) can enter the trap 1 through the mesh of the intercepting net 5 and become live food for the eels, while larger predators (such as snakes, frogs, and birds) are blocked outside by the intercepting net 5.

[0055] Example 2:

[0056] This embodiment is basically the same as Embodiment 1, except that the inner diameter of the first storage chamber 8 is larger than the inner diameter of the main channel 6, and the inner diameter of the second storage chamber 9 is also larger than the inner diameter of the main channel 6. Therefore, the internal volume of the first storage chamber 8 and the second storage chamber 9 is larger than the internal volume of the main channel 6, providing ample space for the eel to turn around, and also facilitating the collection and holding of more sediment. An air exchange hole is provided on the wall of the first storage chamber 8, penetrating the wall and connecting the interior of the first storage chamber 8 with the outside air. In use, the air exchange hole is above the water surface to maintain gas exchange between the interior and exterior of the first storage chamber 8, ensuring that the eel can breathe normally in its nest. Water exchange holes are provided on the walls of the second storage chamber 9, the main channel 6, and the branch channel 7, each penetrating its respective cavity wall, to facilitate water exchange between the internal water of the nest unit and the surrounding paddy field water, maintaining water freshness. The diameter of the water exchange hole should not be larger than the diameter of the mesh of the main body of the trap to prevent eel larvae from escaping.

[0057] In this embodiment, by providing an enlarged first storage chamber 8 and a second storage chamber 9, spacious habitat and waste disposal space are provided for the eels. The air exchange vents ensure the eels' oxygen needs are met within the enclosed nest. The water exchange vents allow for slow exchange between the water inside the nest and the surrounding paddy field water, thus renewing the water quality.

[0058] Example 3:

[0059] This embodiment is basically the same as Embodiment 1, except that the branch channel 7 is a U-shaped pipe, specifically composed of three straight pipe sections and two elbows. One end of the branch channel 7 is connected to the middle section of the main channel 6 through an elbow, and the other end of the branch channel 7 is connected to the first storage chamber 8.

[0060] The main channel 6 is a straight pipe. One end of the main channel 6 is connected to the inlet / outlet 3, and the other end of the main channel 6 is connected to the second receiving chamber 9. Using elbows allows for a smooth transition between the branch channel 7 and the main channel 6, and between the branch channel 7 and the first receiving chamber 8, avoiding right-angle turns that would cause water flow resistance and make it difficult for eels to pass.

[0061] In this embodiment, the use of elbows makes the pipe connection smoother, reducing water flow resistance and eel passage resistance; the branch channel 7 adopts a U-shaped design, which increases the path length and concealment of the eel from the main channel 6 into the first storage chamber 8, which is more in line with the eel's habit of living in winding places in natural caves, and at the same time facilitates the adjustment of the installation direction of the first storage chamber 8 and the second storage chamber 9.

[0062] Example 4:

[0063] This embodiment is basically the same as Embodiment 1, except that the support member 2 sets the distance between the bottom of the trap 1 and the field surface to be 2-5cm. This distance allows the eel excrement to fall directly onto the field surface after falling through the mesh of the trap 1, without accumulating at the bottom of the trap 1. At the same time, this distance is not too large, which would cause the trap 1 to be too tall and affect rice planting and daily management.

[0064] In this embodiment, by controlling the spacing between 2 and 5 cm, it is ensured that the excrement can fall smoothly out of the cage 1 under the action of gravity, and the entire device is compact and easy to arrange in the paddy field.

[0065] Example 5:

[0066] This embodiment is basically the same as Embodiment 1, except that the mesh size of the main body of the trap 1 is 0.3 cm, and the mesh size of the intercepting net 5 is 1 cm. This allows small plankton and dissolved oxygen in the paddy field to pass through, maintaining water exchange between the inside and outside of the trap 1.

[0067] Example 6:

[0068] This embodiment is basically the same as Embodiment 1, except that the sewage discharge port includes a suction conduit. One end of the suction conduit extends into the interior of the second receiving chamber 9, and the inlet end of the suction conduit is located at the bottom of the second receiving chamber 9, for extracting sludge deposited at the bottom of the second receiving chamber 9. The other end of the suction conduit extends out of the second receiving chamber 9 as the outlet end, which is used for detachable connection to an external suction device. The external suction device can be any suction device capable of generating negative pressure, such as a syringe, a manual pump, or an electric pump.

[0069] In use, connect the external suction device to the outlet end of the suction pipe, and start the suction device to extract the sludge deposited in the second collection chamber 9. Before use, a small amount of clean water can be injected into the second collection chamber 9 through the suction pipe to rinse and agitate the sediment before suction.

[0070] In this embodiment, by setting up a suction conduit, the sediment inside the second collection chamber 9 can be extracted at fixed points and in a quantitative manner. This is convenient to operate, and there is no need to disassemble the entire device for cleaning, which reduces the difficulty and workload of maintenance.

[0071] Example 7:

[0072] This embodiment is basically the same as Embodiment 1, except that the bottom of the trap 1 has four inlets and outlets 3. Each inlet and outlet 3 connects to a group of nesting units, that is, each inlet and outlet 3 connects to a main channel 6, each main channel 6 connects to a branch channel 7 and a second storage room 9, and the branch channel 7 connects to a first storage room 8. The four nesting units and the same trap 1 together form a breeding unit. In a breeding unit, the four nesting units share a trap 1 as a common activity area, while each nesting unit is independent, providing independent habitat space for the four eels.

[0073] In this embodiment, by combining four inlets / outlets 3 and four nesting units with the same cage 1 to form a breeding unit, a "one cage, four nests" layout is achieved. This ensures that the eels have independent habitat space and that multiple eels share a common activity and foraging area, making it suitable for large-scale deployment in rice paddies.

[0074] Example 8:

[0075] This embodiment provides a method for rice-eel farming using the above-mentioned device.

[0076] The method includes the following steps:

[0077] S1. Preparations before seedling release:

[0078] The seed cage 1 is erected above the field surface and kept suspended. Specifically, the lower end of the support member 2 is inserted below the field surface, allowing the seed cage 1 to be horizontally extended with its bottom 2-5 cm off the ground. Before releasing the seedlings, the inside of the seed cage 1 is kept bright, meaning no obstructions are placed inside, allowing sufficient light to enter. Simultaneously, the water inside the seed cage 1 is brought to a still state by closing the inlet and outlet and the aeration equipment in advance to stop water flow disturbance. In contrast, the main channel 6, branch channel 7, first collection chamber 8, and second collection chamber 9, due to being buried below the field surface or located below the water surface and the inherent structural characteristics of the pipes, are kept in a dark environment. This creates a strong environmental contrast of "bright seed cage, dark pipes."

[0079] S2, Inducing entry into the nest:

[0080] The release of eel fry is carried out in the evening. Disinfected eel fry are placed into the guide channel, which can be a funnel-shaped container or a tubular channel. The outlet end of the guide channel is placed close to the entrance end of the main channel 6 (i.e., the end where the main channel 6 connects to the inlet / outlet 3), so that the first thing the eel fry see upon exiting the guide channel is the dark entrance of the main channel 6. The eel fry are then released very slowly, allowing them to swim actively and enter the main channel 6 entrance based on their instinct to seek darkness. After entering the main channel 6, the eel fry continue to explore upwards along it, turning into the branch channel 7 at the fork in the middle of the main channel 6, eventually reaching the first collection chamber 8. Once the eel fry are fully inside, the entrance end of the main channel 6 is sealed with a cap or plug.

[0081] S3, Quiet Rest and Memory Rest:

[0082] After the eel fry are placed in the nest, the entire device should be kept still, without any operation or disturbance, and no food should be given. This resting period should last no less than 48 hours. During this process, the eel fry gradually adapt to their new habitat in the dark pipe and develop a memory of the path from trap 1 to the nesting unit.

[0083] S4. Conditioned reflex domestication:

[0084] After the rest period, conditioned reflex training begins. Training is conducted daily at a fixed time (e.g., every evening). Specifically, a vibration signal is applied to the outside of the entrance to the main channel 6, and then bait is placed at a fixed distance outside the entrance to the main channel 6. This process is repeated for several days. After this repeated training, the eels establish a conditioned reflex between the vibration signal and bait acquisition; that is, upon sensing the vibration signal, they will automatically swim from their nest (first storage chamber 8 and branch channel 7) through the main channel 6 to the trap 1 to forage.

[0085] The vibration signal is the sonic vibration generated by tapping the frame of the trap 1. During operation, a tool (such as a wooden stick) can be used to gently tap the frame of the trap 1, producing vibrations and sounds with a relatively fixed frequency and intensity, which the eels can perceive through the water. The baiting point is a fixed distance 30cm outside the entrance of the main channel 6. That is, the baiting point is placed at this location 30cm outside the entrance of the main channel 6 during each training session.

[0086] In this embodiment, vibration signals are generated by tapping the frame of the trap, which is simple and easy to operate and requires no special equipment. The 30cm feeding distance ensures that the bait is located outside the entrance of the main channel 6, but not too far from the nest, making it easy for the eels to sense and feed.

[0087] During the aquaculture management process, sludge is regularly pumped out from the second collection chamber 9. After each sludge pumping, EM (Effective Microorganisms) activation solution is added to the cages 1 and pipes, with 50-100 ml added to each cage. Simultaneously, EM activation solution is regularly sprayed into the paddy field water, with 75-150 ml sprayed per acre, and every 10-15 days during the high-temperature summer period. The EM activation solution is prepared by activating and propagating EM bacteria using conventional methods, and should be used within 3 days after propagation to ensure bacterial activity. Supplementing with probiotics helps decompose organic matter in the water, reduces ammonia nitrogen and nitrite levels, inhibits the reproduction of pathogens, and improves the aquaculture environment.

[0088] Example 9:

[0089] This embodiment is basically the same as Embodiment 8, except that loach and gudgeon broodstock are pre-released into the paddy field. The release time is before the start of aquaculture (e.g., after the previous year's rice harvest or in early spring of the current year). The loach and gudgeon reproduce naturally in the paddy field water, spawning and hatching a large number of fry. When these fry are smaller than the mesh size of the main body of the trap 1, they can freely pass through the mesh of the trap 1 and enter its interior. Because the loach and gudgeon fry are highly mobile, they become live food for the eels after entering the trap 1. The eels obtain animal protein nutrition by consuming these live fry, while also increasing their activity level, which is beneficial for improving meat quality.

[0090] Meanwhile, the burrowing and foraging activities of loach and minnow fry inside and outside the trap 1 can disturb and clean the mesh of the trap 1, reducing the possibility of silt and debris clogging the mesh of the trap 1, and helping to maintain smooth water exchange inside and outside the trap 1.

[0091] In this embodiment, loach and gudgeon are used as auxiliary aquaculture species. Their naturally reproduced fry continuously provide live food for the eels, forming an ecological cycle chain of "loach / gudgeon reproduction and food supply → eel predation → excrement fertilization → rice absorption", which reduces the amount of artificial feeding and lowers the breeding cost.

[0092] Example 10:

[0093] This embodiment provides an arrangement method and aquaculture management method for a biomimetic anti-escape rice-eel farming device.

[0094] After selecting the field, the equipment will be transported to the designated field for deployment in mid-to-late March. Before deployment, the equipment will be soaked in clean water for 7-10 days to eliminate the odor of the new materials and reduce stress on the eels.

[0095] During setup, arrange the breeding units vertically around the perimeter of the paddy field. The specific steps are as follows: Level the paddy field according to rice transplanting requirements, ensuring the surface is level. Adjust the water level to a shallow depth of 2-3 cm. Straighten and unfold the trap 1, marking the center points at the four inlets / outlets 3 at the bottom of the trap 1. Dig a pit at the center point of each inlet / outlet 3, 35 cm deep, 45 cm long, and 10 cm wide. Tilt the entire pipe assembly of the nesting unit to the right, so that the first storage chamber 8 is 1-2 cm above the ground, and the second storage chamber 9 is placed at the lowest point of the pit. Secure the second storage chamber 9 and the lower end of the main channel 6 with soil. Then, connect the inlets / outlets 3 at the bottom of the trap 1 to the higher end of the main channel 6, wrapping the mesh at the inlets / outlets 3 around the entrance of the main channel 6 and securing it with clips and straps. Adjust the tilt angle of the nesting units to maintain a certain inclination of the main channel 6, avoiding perpendicularity to the field surface. The first storage chamber 8 is placed outside the ground cage 1. Finally, the entire habitat unit is filled and secured with soil, so that most of the second storage chamber 9 and the main passage 6 are below the field surface.

[0096] Repeat the installation process four times to complete the installation of four habitat units for one breeding unit. After installation, straighten and adjust the position of the trap 1, insert the lower end of the support component 2 22cm below the field surface, and ensure that the bottom of the trap 1 is 3cm above the field surface.

[0097] The distance between adjacent breeding units is 1.5 to 2 meters, and 70 to 75 breeding units are arranged per mu of paddy field.

[0098] After all aquaculture units are in place, flood the paddy field to a depth of 15-20cm. After 5-7 days, carefully observe the condition of each aquaculture unit, checking for any unstable installations, collapses, or water levels exceeding the first collection chamber 8. Adjust the position of each first collection chamber 8 so that it is at least 5cm above the water surface, ensuring that the air exchange vents are visible above the water.

[0099] Before releasing the seedlings, four fixed points are selected around the paddy field as feeding areas. Each feeding area has 10-15 square meters left empty for feeding and catching loach and gudgeon; no rice seedlings are planted in this area. Water spinach or water celery are planted on the water surface of the feeding areas using floating frames to form an ecological floating bed.

[0100] The eel fry used are domesticated fry of the same size, weighing 30-50g each. Before releasing the fry, soak them in the paddy field water for 15-20 minutes, along with their packaging, to balance the water temperature. Then, disinfect them by soaking them in a 3-4% saline solution for 5-10 minutes. Release the fry in the evening of mid-to-late March, following the induction process described in step S2 above. Release 280 eel fry per acre, i.e., 4 fry per rearing unit and 1 fry per nesting unit.

[0101] After entering the nest, the animals are subjected to rest, memory training, and conditioned reflex training as described in Example 8.

[0102] After successful domestication, daily feeding management begins. Live bait (loach and minnow fry) naturally enters the trap 1 through the intercepting net 5. Artificial supplementation with extruded feed is provided, with the amount adjusted seasonally: before July and in September and October, live bait is provided at 3% of the total eel weight, and extruded feed at 1% of the total eel weight, fed in the evening, with checks and supplementation the following morning; in July and August, live bait is provided at 4% of the total eel weight, and extruded feed at 2% of the total eel weight; in November, the feeding amount is halved, and feeding ceases after winter begins.

[0103] For rice planting and management, select disease-resistant, lodging-resistant, and robust mid-to-late maturing rice varieties. Before setting up the traps in early March, plow and prepare the land, applying 300-500 kg / mu of well-rotted farmyard manure plus 10 kg / mu of compound fertilizer as base fertilizer. Seven days after fertilization, test the water quality; once the water quality meets standards, set up the traps and release eel fry. Transplant rice seedlings from late April to early May, using a wide-narrow row planting method. During transplanting and tillering, maintain a shallow water level of about 10 cm. Gradually deepen the water level to 15-20 cm after late May, increasing the depth during the hot summer months to lower the water temperature inside the traps. Do not apply chemical fertilizers during the rice growing season; rely on eel excrement for nutrients. Pest and disease control primarily uses physical and biological methods. If necessary, use low-toxicity pesticides and lower the water level beforehand. After pesticide application, restore the water level and change the water.

[0104] Daily inspections are conducted during the breeding process. Check the mesh of trap 1 daily for blockages; if blocked, replace with an empty trap and clean and dry the blocked trap for future use. Observe the eels for half an hour after feeding to see if they emerge from their burrows to feed, and record any changes in feed intake. Remove any uneaten feed from the previous day before feeding. Check the amount of feed in the feed balls and replenish as needed. Remove any large organisms that the eels cannot prey on from trap 1. Check the air exchange vents of the first collection chamber 8 weekly to ensure they are clear. After each waste removal, add EM (Effective Microorganisms) activating solution to trap 1 and the pipes, 50-100 ml per trap. Regularly spray EM activating solution into the paddy field water, using 75-150 ml per acre per application. During the high temperatures of summer, spray every 10-15 days; in spring and autumn, the interval can be appropriately extended.

[0105] By supplementing with EM (Effective Microorganisms) activating solution after sewage discharge and regularly spraying EM activating solution into the paddy field water, it helps to decompose organic matter in the water, reduce the content of ammonia nitrogen and nitrite, inhibit the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms, improve the aquaculture environment, and work together with active sewage discharge measures to maintain water quality stability.

[0106] After the rice matures, slowly lower the water level to 5-10cm to allow the eels to retreat into their nesting units for manual harvesting. After harvesting, remove the rice straw from the field, fill the field with deep water, and raise the water level to over 20cm, ensuring that the air exchange vent of the first collection chamber 8 is above the water surface to guarantee micro-gas exchange. Do not feed during winter. At harvest time, open the plug of the first collection chamber 8 one by one, or gently stimulate the eels to swim out and collect them using a soft tool from the bottom of the trap 1. Eels weighing 250g or more are harvested and sold; smaller eels are transferred to other systems for continued farming.

[0107] The biomimetic escape-proof rice-eel farming device of the present invention can also be used for home ornamental farming. In a home environment, a single farming unit can be placed in an ornamental aquarium or a small garden pond. The ground cage 1 can be replaced with an ornamental cage made of transparent or semi-transparent material, and the nesting unit is buried in the bottom sand or ceramsite layer at the bottom of the pond, with the air exchange hole of the first storage chamber 8 exposed above the water surface.

[0108] For observational breeding, 1-4 eels are introduced into each breeding unit (1 eel per burrowing unit). Through the aforementioned training methods, the eels develop a conditioned reflex. Observers can periodically tap the aquarium frame and feed the eels, observing their behavior of swimming out of their burrows to forage. This device simulates the burrowing lifestyle of eels in their natural environment. Compared to traditional aquariums housing goldfish and other ornamental fish, it showcases the unique burrowing and foraging behaviors of eels, offering significant entertainment and educational value.

[0109] For home viewing purposes, the wastewater outlet of the second storage chamber 9 can be connected to a small manual suction device (such as a syringe-type suction device) to periodically remove sediment and keep the breeding environment clean. Due to the low breeding density (only 1 to 4 fish per unit), the water exchange and air exchange holes are sufficient to maintain stable water quality, and no additional circulating filtration system is required.

[0110] The foregoing has only described certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention by way of illustration. Undoubtedly, those skilled in the art can modify the described embodiments in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing drawings and descriptions are illustrative in nature and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A biomimetic anti-escape rice-eel farming device, characterized in that, include: A ground cage, wherein the bottom of the ground cage is provided with a support member for erecting the ground cage above the field surface and keeping it suspended; the bottom of the ground cage is provided with at least one inlet and outlet; and at least one habitat / nest unit; The habitat / nest unit includes a three-way pipe fitting, a first storage chamber, and a second storage chamber; the three-way pipe fitting has an inclined main channel and a branch channel connected to the middle section of the main channel, one end of the main channel is connected to the inlet / outlet, and the other end of the main channel is connected to the second storage chamber; One end of the branch channel is connected to the middle section of the main channel, and the other end of the branch channel is connected to the first storage chamber; the lower end of the main channel is connected to the second storage chamber, which is buried below the field surface and is equipped with a sewage discharge interface. The cage is provided with a biological passage opening, and an intercepting mesh is provided at the biological passage opening. The aperture of the intercepting mesh is larger than the aperture of the main mesh of the cage.

2. The biomimetic anti-escape rice-eel farming device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first storage chamber is provided with an air exchange hole, which is above the water surface. The second storage chamber, the main channel, and the branch channel are all provided with water exchange holes.

3. The biomimetic anti-escape rice-eel farming device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The branch channel is a U-shaped pipe, with one end connected to the middle section of the main channel and the other end connected to the first storage room.

4. The biomimetic anti-escape rice-eel farming device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The supporting member sets the distance between the bottom of the ground cage and the field surface to be 2-5 cm.

5. The biomimetic anti-escape rice-eel farming device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body of the ground cage has a mesh size of 0.3cm, and the intercepting mesh has a mesh size of 1cm.

6. The biomimetic anti-escape rice-eel farming device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sewage outlet includes a suction conduit extending into the second storage chamber, with the inlet end of the suction conduit located at the bottom of the second storage chamber and the outlet end of the suction conduit used for detachable connection to an external suction device.

7. The biomimetic anti-escape rice-eel farming device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the trap has four inlets and outlets, each of which is connected to a group of nesting units. The four nesting units together form a breeding unit.

8. A method for rice-eel farming using the apparatus according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. The ground cage is erected above the field surface and kept suspended, so that the inside of the ground cage is bright and the water flow is still, and the main channel, the branch channel, the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber are kept in a dark environment. S2. When releasing the eel fry, slowly release them along the guide channel close to the entrance of the main channel, so that the eel fry can make their first visual contact with the dark entrance of the main channel and crawl in on their own. Then, seal the entrance of the main channel. S3. After entering the nest, keep the device stationary and do not feed it for at least 48 hours. S4. After the resting period, apply a vibration signal to the outside of the entrance of the main channel at a fixed time every day, and put bait at a fixed distance outside the entrance until the eel establishes a conditioned reflex between the vibration signal and the bait.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The vibration signal is the sound wave vibration generated by striking the frame of the ground cage; the fixed distance is 30cm outside the entrance end of the main channel.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Loach and gudgeon parent fish are pre-released into the paddy field, and their naturally reproduced fry pass through the mesh into the trap to serve as live bait for the eels.

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