Composite fish culture, also known as polyculture, offers several advantages, primarily increasing fish yield and resource utilization. By combining multiple fish species with different feeding habits in a single pond, farmers can effectively utilize all available food sources and maximize production. This also leads to a more diverse and profitable harvest.
Here’s a more detailed look at the advantages:
Increased Fish Production:
Composite culture can significantly boost fish yield compared to monoculture (raising only one species). By utilizing different feeding zones and food sources, the overall productivity of the pond is enhanced.
Efficient Resource Utilization:
Different fish species with varying food preferences, such as surface, mid, and bottom feeders, consume different parts of the food web in the pond, preventing food waste and maximizing resource utilization.
Diverse Harvest:
Composite culture allows farmers to harvest a variety of fish species, providing a more diverse and nutritious product.
Reduced Competition:
By selecting species with different feeding habits, competition for food is minimized, leading to healthier fish and better growth rates.
Cost-Effective:
Composite culture can be more economical than monoculture, as it allows for the efficient use of available resources and can reduce the need for supplemental feeding.