Latest Fish Farming Interview Questions
Q – 1 Do you know what is the cost of the pond?
Ans- Cost of pond depends on area, land and type of pond you intend to have. By type of pond, I mean earthen, concrete or tarpaulin ponds.
Q – 2 Tell me how many adult fish can my pond rear?
Ans- How many litres is your pond capacity? Ideally, you are supposed to have one fish per 8 litres of water since you don’t use an aerator. If you use an aerator, one fish to 4 litres is acceptable. To get better growth with catfish, you definitely need one.
Q – 3 Tell me how long does it take the shellfish to grow to market size?
Ans- ☛ Oysters: 18-36 months
☛ Mussels: 18 months
Q – 4 Explain why are Alaskan oysters so remarkable?
Ans- Pacific oysters, grown in warm waters, reach sexual maturation during their second summer of life, causing them to become soft and a milky color.
These characteristics make the oysters unmarketable. In Alaska, because cold water retards maturation, high-quality oysters are available year round. Because they cannot reproduce, wild or naturally occurring, oysters are very uncommon in Alaska. All farmed Alaskan oysters are imported as spat (juvenile oysters) from Pacific Coast hatcheries.
Q – 5 Explain what is a good farm site like?
Ans- A potential farm site should have good tidal flushing so that food (plankton) is readily carried to the site and waste is carried out to sea. The site must be protected from storms. The site must be reasonably close to the markets that will buy the shellfish. Staff should be able to live near the site.
Q – 6 Explain what modern items can we use to fight fish diseases?
Ans- Modern methods include medications, e.g. Aquapro, UV light. Google it. Cheap method is the use of amoxil and tetracyline preparations like NCO to fight disease
Q – 7 Tell me how much does land cost?
Ans- Depending on the location whether main road or side road or very remote, land costs Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 300,000 per acre. Very good land can probably be purchased for around Rs. 125,000 per acre.
Q – 8 How to evaluate if oxygen in water is reduced?
Ans- The fishes can come to the surface, hang, or you see air bubbles or foam on your water
Q – 9 Tell me Is fish farming profitable?
Ans- Yes, fish farming is very profitable considering that the rate of fish at local wholesale is around Rs. 200 – 300 per kg depending on the size of the fish.
Q – 10 How to know there is slime in d pond so i can clean with foam?
Ans- For slime, pond becomes greenish/ slippery
Q – 11 Tell us will those catfish grow very well in a brick-constructed pond?
Ans- Yes they will grow in concrete ponds as long as it is spacious.
Q – 12 Do you know what services do Aquaculture Technologies provide?
Ans- Everything from A-Z. Feasibility Reports, Site selection, land purchase, pond construction, seed selection or supply, staff, complete or partial management, harvest staff, training, marketing etc.
Q – 13 Explain how long does it take for the fish to grow for marketable size?
Ans- This is where gullible investors fall prey. Before you go into cat fish farming, make sure you know your market or better still make sure you know your buyers and what type of size they buy. For instance it will be difficult for you to get a buyer for a 500g fish if your market environments demands for a 1kg fish and vice versa. However, on average, you should be able to get a size above 1kg within 5 months PROVIDED you fed them well and they are raised with the best and healthy practices
Q – 14 Tell us how do you raise shellfish?
Ans- Generally, a shellfish farmer buys or collects juvenile shellfish, called “spat.” He then puts them in special nets or lines (oysters and mussels) that are anchored in the ocean, or plants them on a beach (clams). The animals feed by filtering the abundant, high-quality plankton that naturally occur in the water. The farmer must keep the animals clean from algae and protect them from predators. He then harvests the animals when they grow to a marketable size.
Q – 15 Tell me how do you manage pests and disease?
Ans- “Grown inside” or chemical free” “crop rotation” or “we don’t spray” are probably some of the best answers, but “integrated pest management,” “we spray as seldomly as possible,” “zero day to harvest rated sprays,” are also on the right track.
Q – 16 Tell me how long does it take for fish to grow or when do we get return on investment?
Ans- Unlike the west and due to the species cultured in province, larger fish are preferred which also fetch a higher price. Once the pond (s) are constructed and stocked, harvesting / selling can begin after 12 months. 15 months are preferred but 18 months give the highest results. A harvest cycle can be attained to provide fish during 6-8 months of the year.
Q – 17 Suppose if sodium b not okay to raise ph, what else can we use to raise ph to 7?
Ans- I’m not disputing the fact in reference to raising water pH, possibly the quantity use, you can raise pH, but evaluate if it isn’t causing the oxygen content of d water to reduce.
Q – 18 Tell me can we get rich from Fish Farming?
Ans- The industry is fairly new to Alaska and start-up costs are high. So far, most farms are providing some income, but generally not enough to support a family. Some of the challenges in Alaska are that farms are usually in remote areas and have high transportation costs.
Shellfish farming is also hard work; to be successful, farms should be operated on a daily basis and worked year round.
Q – 19 Explain how much land is required?
Ans- For extensive / modified extensive, minimum land required is 50 acres or more. For a local working zamindar / agriculturist, even a 5 acre farm is feasible. For anyone wishing to start fish farming from scratch, 50 acres or more is economically feasible. For semi-intensive farming, project can be started from a few acres but 20 acres of land would be more desirable.
1 acre = 4840 sq yards – 1 hectare = 2.5 acres approx.
Q – 20 Tell me in what month can we sort the big farm the small cos we read somewhere above that they eat each other?
Ans- The best time to sort is every first week in a new month. Yes, they eat themselves.
Q – 21 Tell me what are the basic requirements for fish farming?
Ans- Land of course, but any land would not do. Site selection is most important requirement in aquaculture. For site selection, Soil Quality, Water Quality & Availability, Topography of the Land, Drainage Channel / Sem Nali and the location are very important. The soil must have 25 – 30% clay content for building dykes, water retention and good production. There must be ample water of good quality. Lifting water to fill in large ponds is very costly and area that can be gravity filled and or drained are preferred.
Q – 22 Suppose if the sun is 2 much on the pond, how can we protect the water from being too hot 4 the fishes? We are scared because the recent sun is rather 2 hot?
Ans- No, the water can’t be too hot for the fishes. In their natural habitat they aren’t protected. It is only hot on d surface. You can plant banana around your earthen pond or locate your mobile or concrete/mobile ponds where there is shade. High temperature affects the oxygene concentration of the pond water.
Q – 23 Do you know what are the Consultancy charges and when do these apply?
Ans- Charges will start from the day from first meeting whether the project is started or not by the client. Consultant will evaluate and only start if the project is viable or guaranteed by the client that any disadvantages such as water shortage or electricity can be ovecome by them.
Charges will depend upon the time, meetings, research, site visits, discussions and recommendations, pre-feasibilities and feasibility study andso on.
Q – 24 Explain what material can we use for the hatching pond asides concrete ponds?
Ans- Alternate materials are canopy, plastics, even big bath containers (wide)
Q – 25 Tell me as a starter, how can we neutralize the cement odour in the pond?
Ans- To neutralize the cement such that they don’t have any harmful effect on your fishes, use this method which ever suits you. A faster method is to use muratic acid. Briskly scrub all surfaces of the pond with this solution using a brush or broom. The cement may bubble some as the lime works free.
This will not harm the pond. Mix more solution if needed. Make sure it reaches all surfaces. Rinse the pond thoroughly, drain and refill. Your pond is now ready for your catfish. Or lime the new Concrete pond, u can get lime from plumbers, Or wash with vinegar or palm oil. Then lime.
Q – 26 Do you know how much capital is required for Fish Farming?
Ans- A very difficult question. This depends on the land layout, the height of the water and the depth of the drainage channel, topography of the land, how much to excavate wothout ruining/removing the top soil, distance of the water from land, the water channel, stocking rates of fish per acre and so on. Generally speaking, a minimum of Rs. 50,000 per acre (excluding price of land) of Capital investment is required to completion of ponds and stocking. There would be the matter of recurring expenses such as fertilization, staff salaries, construction of chowkis, chowkidars and ration etc. This too depends on the size of the farm. As such working capital of Rs. 30,000 per acre per annum is required.
Q – 27 Tell me is it possible to have an earthen pond in an area that is not swampy or water logged? I want to find out if it’s possible to have one on my farm that will accommodate just few fishes of about 500. what is the recommended size of such earthen pond for 500 fishes?
Ans- It’s possible, but you’ll make sure that there is constant water supply 2 d pond. You’ll have to put water in the pond 24/7 to sustain d water level. For 500 fishes you can dig a 10 by 6 feet pond with a depth of five feet. It’s very possible, so far u have a reliable source of water supply. 14/9 feet with 2 metres depth should do.
Q – 28 Tell me finally, how much will one fish be sold? Then subtract the cost of starting the business from the sale of the grown 1000 fishes. What is the profit?
Ans- This is another good question. Catfish price varies from place to place. In some places, 1kg-sized fish goes between 500-520, while in some places, we have 460-480. But also have this in mind that not all the 1000 pcs will survive and also not all with attain 1kg averagely.
However, if they are well fed and raised under the appropriate conditions, you should have above 850kg at the end of the day. So if you do your maths with the price range I give above, you will still make profit. Profit margin however depends on the pond type you choose. Concrete and tarpaulin ponds consume more money than earthen ponds because of the need to change water.
Q – 29 Do you know which are the most common species cultured?
Ans- Major Carps – Rohu, Morakhi/Mori & Theri/Thela; Chinese Carps – Silver & Grass Carp; Catfish – Singhari, Malli/Yarko; Snakehead – Mundi/Sowl, Phool/Chitti Mundi; Tilapia Nilotica;
Q – 30 Tell me what is aquaculture?
Ans- Aquaculture is the growing of aquatic plants (mainly seaweeds) or animals (fish, shrimp, prawns, crabs, lobster, alligators) for all or part of their life cycles. Aquaculture is the production and husbandry of aquatic plants and animals in controlled environments. aquaculture is also known as Fish Farming, Fish Culture, Shrimp Farming and so on.
Plants and animals can be grown in freshwater, saltwater/marine or brackish water (a mixture of sea and fresh water)
Aquaculture production can be extensive (basic, limited capital & management, low production), semi-intensive (in between extensive and intensive) and intensive (high capital & management, high level of control and high production rates)
Q – 31 Tell me what dosage of amoxil and tetracycline can we use to treat fries of 4-6 days old from the day we start to feed the fries?
Ans- A capsule for about 300- 400 litres of water
Q – 32 Do you know what’s the difference between fingerlings and juveniles?
Ans- Fingerlings are fishes that are after birth about 1 week to about 3 weeks old, while juveniles are 4 weeks to about 6 weeks after birth. Juveniles should be about 8 cm in length and 2 grams in weight.
Q – 33 Tell me which areas are most suitable for fish farming?
Ans- Thatta and Badin are most suitable. For farmers/investors in Karachi, Thatta, Gharo/Sakro are the most suitable.
Q – 34 Tell me what do the animals eat?
Ans- organic food, grass, including hay and alfalfa in winter (for cows), bugs, grass, outside things, as well as either local or organic grain (for chickens).
Important follow-up:
Does the feed include corn and soy? If yes, are they genetically modified?
Q – 35 Tell me when do we switch to the different mm of feeds? We are aware that farmers might change at different interval but at least we want to get a rough idea?
Ans- I can’t tell you when to change the size of feeds because it depends on how fast or slow your fish grow in size. First, when you stock with juveniles feed them with 2mm for like 3 weeks to help in boosting their growth rate because 2mm protein content is higher than the rest.
The greater the feed size, the lower its protein content. It’s for the person feeding to discern when to change from 3mm to 4.5mm, 6mm. Like for instance when feeding with 3mm, he will know when to change to 4.5mm due to the fact the feed 3mm will look too small in proportion to the size of the mouth of the fishes.
Q – 36 Tell me how can slime be neutralized or removed from pond?
Ans- For slime, you clean with foam, don’t allow water to stay long and don’t overfeed. Slime is a form of algae.
Q – 37 Do you know how much will it cost to feed 1000 fishes till they are ready for sale?
Ans- I could see you really know what you want and this your question will make those that deceive others shiver. I have heard where they will tell you, ‘each fish will consume 200naira worth of feed for 6 months and you will attain above 1kg’. Oh my God!!! How is this feasible? Definitely it is not and yes i said it is NOT feasible because different factors and condition determine the response of fish to feed at any particular time.
Factors like water quality (turbidity, ph, and temperature. e.t.c), stress and health. What I advise is to set aside considerable amount for feed. For 1000 pcs of fishes and your target is 1kg and above fed for 6 months, I will advice you keep 250,000 for feeding.
Q – 38 Do you know why is Alaska a good place to grow oysters?
Ans- Oysters can grow very well in cold water if there is abundant, high-quality plankton. Many estuaries in Alaska produce so much high-quality plankton during certain times of the year that Alaskan shellfish can match growth achieved by shellfish raised in warmer waters of the Pacific Northwest.
Cold, clean water also reduces bacterial contamination, extending shelf life and assuring safety when eating cultured oysters, especially when eaten raw.
Q – 39 Which is the best type of culture for Pakistan?
Ans- The best type at present (2010) for the province of Sindh is a land based modified extensive or at best semi-intensive finfish / fish culture.
Q – 40 Tell me where do the animals live?
Ans- outside regularly, on pasture
Q – 41 Tell me what’s this pipe i often see popping out of the pond meant for?
Ans- Any pipe in a pond is for the control of water flow in and out of d pond.
Q – 42 Tell me how much will the 1000 small fishes cost?
Ans- Catfish have sizes: we have fingerlings, juveniles and post juveniles. I always advise potential farmers to go for juveniles since most of them don’t have facilities to handle fingerlings. Healthy juveniles cost between 25-30 naira
Q – 43 Do you know what are the returns from Fish Farming?
Ans- Returns depend on inputs. Inputs are correct fish stocking rates, good quality identifiable seed, proper fertilization, vigilance and strong management. Harvest techniques, proper magement of harvesters, transportation to market and having reliable staff to sell the produce is also very important.
On average, you should expect to sell over Rs. 100,000 worth of fish per acre (gross). Average net income from fish farms is over Rs. 50,000 per acre per year but with proper management, net profits of Rs. 100,000 per acre per year can be achieved.
Q – 44 Explain how do you fertilize?
Ans- organically, composted cow manure, sustainably, fish oil, anything that sounds like it started with the earth or an animal. It’s great if a farmer says, “Well, we’re not certified organic,” because they will likely follow that up with the fact that they grow organically but can’t afford or don’t choose the certification. That nets you a safe, chemical-free product without the extra cost.
Q – 45 Suppose we are planning to start hatching very soon. We tested the ph of our water yesterday and its acidic (ph 4). What can we do to make it suitable for hatching?
Ans- Get sodium carbonate and add it to your tank, it also depends on the size of your tank, like for 1500 litres u can add three spoonful then test. you can also add soda ash to the water. If you have a reservoir, add soda ash to it once it is filled with water, leave for few hours then pump it to d pond it will boost its pH.
Q – 46 Do you know where was the fish raised and how was it caught?
Ans- wild Alaskan salmon. Line-caught is best, but probably not necessary once you’re in Alaska. Line-caught somewhere else greatly increases the fish’s chances of being wild outside the fish farm.