Mud-free eel farming gains ground in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta
Farmers in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta are turning to mud-free eel farming using recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), a model that offers improved biosecurity, reduced disease risks, and higher profitability compared to traditional methods.
Unlike conventional pond-based systems that rely on mud substrates and are prone to disease outbreaks, this new approach uses tiled concrete tanks, advanced water treatment, and biosecurity protocols to create a clean, controlled environment. The model is gaining traction among small-scale producers seeking more sustainable and commercially viable options.
In Chau Phong commune (An Giang province), farmer Le Huu Huan operates two tanks totaling just 30m², where he stocks 4,000 juvenile eels. After a one-year production cycle, he harvests over one tonne of market-size fish, generating a net profit of around VND 60 million (USD 2,300). His compact RAS setup relies on modern filtration and water recirculation systems that minimize water use and reduce pathogen load.
A more advanced example comes from Phu Binh commune, where Lam Van Xuan, nicknamed the “eel millionaire”, runs a 250m² facility with eight grow-out and ten nursery tanks. By producing both fingerlings and harvest-size eels, he earns over VND 300 million (USD 11,700) annually. After repeated losses with mud-based systems, Xuan transitioned to sediment-free tanks, night-time aeration, and regular probiotic use to stabilize water quality and improve fish health.
“Water management is everything,” Xuan said. He pre-treats river water in settling ponds, changes water twice daily after feeding, and provides continuous aeration from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tanks are lined with triple-layer bamboo slats to mimic natural hiding conditions while facilitating waste removal. The operation sources semi-artificial fry and uses formulated diets tailored to each growth stage to maximize flesh quality and feed conversion.
After 12 to 13 months, eels typically reach market sizes of 4-5 fish per kilogram. With prices averaging VND 220,000/kg (USD 8.60), the model delivers competitive returns compared to other small-scale aquaculture systems in the region.
Industry observers see the rise of RAS-based eel farming as part of a broader shift toward clean, biosecure aquaculture in Vietnam’s inland areas. Huynh Dao Nguyen, Director of An Giang’s Agricultural Extension Center, said the province is scaling up support through training, technology transfer, and value chain linkages.
“This model aligns with our goals for water-efficient, low-impact aquaculture that meets both domestic food safety standards and future export requirements,” Nguyen said.
As climate risks and disease pressures intensify across traditional aquaculture systems in the Mekong Delta, innovations like mud-free eel farming offer a promising path forward, especially for smallholders seeking higher returns with lower risk. With growing consumer interest in traceable, high-quality freshwater species, the model could eventually supply both local and niche export markets.
VFM
