Composite fish culture is a fish farming technique that involves raising multiple, compatible fish species in the same pond. This method aims to maximize the utilization of food resources within the pond by selecting species with varied feeding habits, thus reducing competition for food and increasing overall fish production.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Multiple Species:
Composite fish culture typically involves stocking a pond with 5-6 different fish species.
Complementary Feeding Habits:
The chosen species have diverse feeding habits, meaning they consume different types of food and inhabit different areas of the pond. For example, some might graze on algae, while others might feed on aquatic plants or invertebrates.
Increased Production:
By utilizing all available food resources, composite fish culture can lead to significantly higher fish yields compared to monoculture (raising only one species).
Reduced Competition:
Because the fish species have different food preferences and feeding zones, they are less likely to compete with each other for food, leading to better growth and survival rates.
Examples:
Common combinations of species in composite fish culture include Indian major carps (Rohu, Catla, Mrigal), as well as exotic carps like Silver carp, Grass carp, and Common carp.