Pen Culture

A Pen is defined as “a fixed enclosure in which the bottom is the bed of the water body” Pen is to be distinguished from the Cage which in turn is defined as “an enclosure with bottom and sides of netting or bamboo etc., whether floating at the surface or totally submerged.” The word ‘pen’ here is also used synonymous with ‘enclosure’ as it is used in enclosure culture.

Advantages of Pen Culture:

• More production is assured in a limited space with rich food and oxygen supply.
• It is a non-stop process because of continuous water supply.
• Maximum growth is possible in pens as energy is saved towards locomotion and feeding.
• No danger for mass mortality of fishes, since the toxic wastes like ammonia are flushed regularly.
• It requires comparatively low capital outlay.
• The method is simple and easy to operate.

Stocking Density in Pens:

The stocking density of fish or shell fish for pens may range from 10-100 individuals/m2 Indian Major carp, minor carp, murrels and other fish species can be reared in pen culture system.