Why constant sorting of fingerlings in a fish population is important.

The need for constant sorting of fingerlings in the pond can never be over emphasized. After hatchery and the delicate fingerlings transferred to the pond, we quickly notice after few days or weeks an unequal growth among them. The first shootout has faster development rate than the subsequent ones.
These early shootouts are more robust and tend to prey on the tinier ones.
Cannibalism is a common experience in any fish population. Most farmers erroneously ignore it at this level not realizing the level of lost at this point. Experience has taught me that cannibalism is even more intense at the fingerlings level than at an advanced stage of the fish life.
Apart from sorting to discourage cannibalism, fish farmers also use the opportunity to ascertain the overall state of the fish. Dead ones are removed to avoid infections in the farm. Sorting also provides the opportunity of changing the water in a pond thereby improving cleanliness.

Every fish farmer should take sorting of his fingerlings serious in order to avert huge economic losses.