International Journal of Aquaculture, 2018, Vol.8, No.12, 90-97
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1.1 History of composite fish farming
Composite fish culture was developed at the Cuttack Sub-station of the CIFRI during the mid-sixties and the
ICAR was involved in testing its feasibility and economic viability through All India Coordinated Research
Project on Composite Fish Culture and Fish Seed Production which was initiated far back in 1971. The Rural
Aquaculture Project, National Demonstration and Operational Research Projects, National Science Centers,
Lab-to-Land Programme and National Agricultural Research Projects are some of the other ICAR Projects which
have greatly contributed to the evolution and transfer of the technology through various demonstration and
training programmes (Tripathi, 1985).
1.2 Rationale of composite fish farming
Polyculture of compatible fish species is the most favoured fish culture practice which facilitates efficient
utilization of all ecological zones within the pond environment enhancing the maximum standing crop (Lutz,
2003). In some cases, one species enhances the food availability for other species and thus increases the total fish
yield per unit area (Azad et al., 2004). The principle behind the scientific fish culture is to produce maximum
quantity of fish per unit area from a scientifically managed water body by stocking fast growing, economically
important, compatible species having shortest food chain utilizing the all ecological niches of the water body
(Goswami and Samajdar, 2011). The objective of raising healthy and economically viable fish crops is realised
through appropriate manipulation of fish stock and pond ecology (FAO, 1985). Hussain et al. (2013) stated that
there are many fish culture technologies available of which composite fish culture system is the most sustainable
fish culture practice in India. Over the years, composite fish culture has been established itself as a proven
technology aimed for obtaining higher yield and return from unit area (Hussein, 2012). Indian aquaculture has
demonstrated a six and a half fold growth over the last two decades (Tripathi, 2003; Mahapatra et al., 2006)
because of the increasing intensity of operation as well as introduction of exotic species in the species
composition spectrum under polyculture systems. In aquaculture practice, the exotic fishes were introduced for
utilization of vacant niche in the native ecosystem and increasing food production (Ma et al., 2003).
1.3 Role of exotic carps in composite culture with IMC
Catla is surface feeder and feeds on zooplankton and silver carp is also surface feeder, feeding mainly on
phytoplankton (Lazzaro, 1987) and it has ecological and socio-economic potential advantages with having a
strong impact on the pond ecology because it is a fast growing and very efficient filter-feeder (Milstein et al.,
1985; Milstein, 1992). Grass carp consume low value vegetative waste and increase natural food production in the
pond by nutrient recycling and fecal production (Li and Mathias, 1990). Mrigal is bottom feeder and considered to
monitor culture and health status in farm condition (Ahmed et al., 2013). Common carp has more rapid growth
and known as bioturbator (Dey et al., 2005). However, it not only increases food availability but also changes
rohu’s feeding behavior and food intake (Anras et al., 2001). Ahmad et al. (2013) revealed that stocking density of
C. idella
and
C. carpio
in a stocking ratio of 1:1.5 gave better result than the rest of fish species selected for
composite culture. The effectiveness is depicted in Chinese saying
one grass carp raises three silver carps
.
2 Management Aspects
Management protocols adopted in composite fish culture can be divided into pre-stocking management, stock
management and post- stocking management.
2.1 Prestocking management
In aquaculture, prevention is always better than cure; therefore proper management starting from the pond
preparation is very essential. The major pond preparation phase followed in prestocking management are aquatic
insect and weed clearance by manual effort, eradication of predatory and weed fish by repeated netting,
maintenance of physico-chemical quality of water, manuring by using cow dung and liming with quick lime for
regulating pH of pond water (Hussain et al., 2013). Pond depth is considered as one of the most important factors
in productivity (FAO, 2010). Production level decline as the depth of the pond increase from 5 to 9 feet (Biswas et
al., 2017). According to FAO (2009) in general, productivity declined with increasing pond size. The better
managerial intervention possible with the small to medium sized ponds of carp culture and small pond increased
