Composite Fish Culture

Culture of several compatible fish species with different feeding types and habitat together in an aquatic system aiming at fuller utilization of all fish food organisms produced at all ecological niches is called Polyculture. The maneuvering of polyculture in the right combination in nutrient managed system is known as the Composite Fish Culture Technology.

A. Site Preparation

• Depth of Pond: 1.5-2.0 m water level should be maintained in the grow-out pond.
• Shape of Pond: Rectangular ponds are preferred over square, circular, oval and irregular shaped ponds.
• Species density: Fingerlings @ 800 to 1200 per bigha. (8000 to 10000 per hectre)
• Stocking size: Fingerlings of 10- 15 cm size. (advance fry may be used in absence of fingerlings).
• Species composition of carps: Silver carp: Catla: Rohu: Grass Carp:: Mrigal:: Common Carp:: 15:25:25: 10:15:10
• Culture duration: 8-10 months.
• Soil should not be porous.

B. Management practices

1. Pre stocking management:

i)Liming: Quick lime basal dose 25-30 kg/bigha initially. Optimum pH range 6.5 to 8.0

↓ 10 days interval

ii)Fertilization: Cow dung at basal dose 300 to 400 kg/bigha.

↓ 10 days interval

Urea and SSP @ 2.5 kg and 3-3.5 kg/bigha respectively

↓ 7 to 10 days interval

2. Stocking Management:

Stocking @ 800-1200 nos./bigha (10-15 cm size), carried over seed (1 year old) highly preferred. Stocking Month March to May.

Feeding: Mixer of Rice polish and Mustard oil cake (1:1 ratio) daily @ 3-5 % of body weight of fish. Tray method highly beneficial.

3. Post stocking Management:

7 days after stocking of fish seed

i)Liming: Quick Lime @ 5-8 kg/bigha/month (depending on pH level).

↓ 7-10 days interval

ii)Fertilization: Cow dung @ 130-150kg/bigha/month.

ii)Fertilization: Cow dung @ 130-150kg/bigha/month.

↓ 7-10 days interval

Urea and SSP @ 2.5 kg and 3-3.5 kg/bigha respectively

C. Monitoring and Health care:

1. Netting: At every 15 days interval for growth and disease monitoring.

2. Harvesting: After attaining marketable size. Final harvesting in January.

D. Production: 500-700 kg/bigha/year.