Composite fish culture-an ecologically viable and economically profitable fish culture technique- A Review

Abstract

Fish culture in which more than one type of compatible and non-competing fishes are cultured simultaneously through the utilization of different feeding zones in a pond so as to increase the total fish production per unit area of the water body is known as composite fish culture. Suitable selection of fish in composite fish culture can boost nutrient flux and is very important in maximizing productivity, both in terms of quantity and quality.  In composite fish culture, on the basis of growth performance of different species, modifications are made in stocking density, species ratio, fertilization and supplementary feeding programmes to improve the growth rates of the fishes and thus to achieve better production. The three IMCs, namely catla (C. catla), rohu (L. rohita) and mrigal (C. mrigala) contribute the bulk of production to the extent of 70 to 75% of the total freshwater fish production, followed by exotic carps comprising silver carp (Hypophthalmicthys molitrix), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon Idella ) and common carp(Cyprinus carpio) forming the second important group contributing to the balance 25 to 30%. The Composite culture practice of fish production is ecologically viable and profitable compared to traditional practices.  Since, composite fish culture is a promising enterprise, a study on the economics and technical bottlenecks on regional as well as a national basis is necessary. The economic benefits of composite fish culture need to be vividly highlighted to convince fish farmers to adopt this cultural practice. Composite fish culture brings forth the socio-economic changes in the rural society which helps in alleviating rural poverty and generating livelihood security. 

 Keywords:  Composite fish culture, species combination, methodology, water quality, economics