Chironomid farming in consideration of various physicochemical parameters and reuse of condensate water

Abstract

Larvae of chironomids are benthic organisms, having the extreme capability to adapt to the changing physicochemical parameters of the aquatic body and the potentiality to accommodate that adverse situation. In spite of the demand for chironomid larvae as fish food, no proper technique of chironomid farming has been reported till today. This instance encourages the research on farming these larvae, in both open and captive settings. The present research shows a good result all over the year, with seasonal variance along with changing physicochemical parameters. This farming is based on minimal space requirements, reuse of condensate water, and the application of a low-cost diet, resulting in enormous production of this insect. Thus, it can be placed as a small-scale industry to uplift the economic status of rural people. A nutritious diet for both carnivorous and omnivorous fish and low-cost farming with a huge production of these larvae is good for the fish industry as well.