“Freshwater Aquaculture”

(FAC-211)

Books
1. Hand book of fisheries and aquaculture.
(ICAR book by Dr. S. Ayyappan)
2. Freshwater Aquaculture
(By R. K. Rath)
3. Aquaculture : Principles & Practices
(By T.V.R. Pillay)
 Cultivable fish species
• Carps, catfishes, prawns and mussels.
• Diverse to suit varied ecological conditions
of different water bodies as also to meet the
regional preferences.
•Technologies available for breeding and
culture of air breathing (Clarias batrachus,
Heteropneustes fossilis) and non airbreathing
catfish (Wallago attu, Mystus seenghala, M.
aor and Pungasius pungasius)
 
• FW prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii and
M. malcolmsonii imp. For hatchery and grow
out system.
• Culture of FW pearl through nuclei
implantation in the bivalve, Lamellidens spp.
Recently chinese large bivalve Hyriopsis
introduced for pearl culture.
•Cultivation of aquatic weed makhana,
Euryale ferox and water chestnut, trapa
bispinosa, blue green algae spirulina spp.
And biofertilizers like Azolla and duckweeds
Lemna, Spirodela, Wolfia etc useful in waste tr
 Coldwater aquaculture
• Cultivable fish species are Trout (Brown &
rainbow trout), Indian trout (Schizothorax
spp), Mahseer, Common carp including mirror
carp among cyprinidae.
• Modern trout farms in India – Himachal
Pradesh trout farm, J & K trout farm.
•Mahseer breeding.

 
• The potential cultivable species have gained
importance due to excellent food value,
delicious taste, better meat quality and
consumer preferences.
Water resources
Ponds & tanks – 2.25 million ha
Beels & derelict waters – 1.3 million ha
Lakes & reservoirs – 2.09 million ha
Irrigation cannals & channels – 0.12 m Km
Paddy field – 2.3 million ha
Considering the availability of water area of
ponds & tanks only 45% utilized shows the
potential of horizontal expansion
 Fish production
• FW aquaculture account over 70% of total
inland fish production.
• Both Indian and exotic carp contribute over
90% of total freshwater aquaculture
production.
•FFDAs enhanced the average productivity
from 500 to about 2000 Kg/Ha/yr however the
potential of technologies at 15 tonnes/Ha/yr.
 Fish production range under different culture systems
Sl. No. Culture system Average production rates
(T/ha/yr)
1 Composite fish culture 4-6
2 Intensive culture 10-15
3 Clarias culture 3-5
4 Sewage-fed fish 3-5
5 Integrated fish 3-5
6 Pen culture 4-5
7 Cage culture 10-15
8 Running water fish 25-50 kg/m3
9 Shrimp farming 2-5
10 Aquatic weed based 3-4
11 Biogas slurry based 3-5
12 Makhana & air breathing fish 1.52 + 94 kg makhana
 Azolla FW mussel

Makhana
Lemna Spirulina
(Euyale spp.)
 Mud Crab Pen

Cage culture
Culture of Indian Major Carps
Management of Nursery Ponds
Pond may be either existing one or newly constructed
Pond Preparation
The shape of pond must be rectangular and pond direction should ne east to
west. Size of pond should be 0.03 to 0.05 ha with water depth of 1 to 1.5 m.
There should be screen at inlet and outlet. It is necessary to expose pond
bottom to the sunlight for better mineralization, escape of toxic gases and to
keep free from aquatic insects, aquatic weeds, predatory fishes.
Steps (Pre-stocking)
1.Eradiation of aquatic weeds.
2.Removal of unwanted fish.
3.Application of lime.
4.Fertilization.
5.Control of aquatic insects.
1. Aquatic weeds
It is defined as unwanted and undesirable vegetation that grow in waters
and if unchecked causes serious problems in fish culture.
Based on the habitat, classified into floating, submerged, emergent,
marginal, filamentous and algal blooms.
a. Floating weeds – Don’t have roots, they may be floating in water with
leaves over surface of water, drifted by water currents and waves
induced by winds. They are more problematic than the other kind of
weeds. Eg. Eichhornia (Water Hyacinth), Pistia (Water Lettuce),
Salvenia (Water Fern), Duck weed (Lemna, Azolla, Spirodella)
b. Submerged weeds – Present in water column and not seen above
water surface, some are rooted at the bottom of the ponds while
some are non-rooted. Rooted weeds – Hydrilla, Vallisneria (Tape
grass), Potamogeton, Otelia, Najas, Chara (Stone wort), Non-rooted –
Ceratophyllum, Utricularia
c. Emergent weed - Rooted at the pond bottom but leaves are floating
above surface of water. Eg. Nymphia, Nelumbo, Nymphoides,
Myriophyllum.
d. Marginal weeds – They are grown at edge of ponds or at interphase
between land and water, grow over moist land. Eg. Typha, Marselia,
Cyperus.
e. Filamentous algae and algal blooms – Scum or mat forming type and
found floating at pond surface. Eg. Spirogyra.
Algal blooms are formed by unicellular algae. Eg. Microcystis,
Euglena.They are formed due to over fertilization or due to input of
excess nutrients.
Disadvantages of aquatic weeds
• Interference in culture activities.
• Decrease in DO level
• Restrict space for movement of fish.
• Utilize nutrients.
• Interference in netting operation.
• Restrict light penetration.
• Release toxic gases.
 Strategies for development
A balance biomass of submerged vegetation and algae is required for
ecosystem of composite fish culture but excessive infestation is
harmful.
Control of aquatic weeds
Generally the method is selected based on the dimension of the weed
infestation, size of the pond and time available.
1. Physical- manual or mechanical, various tools such as sickle, blades,
wire mess, hooks, wooden sticks, weed cutter etc. are used.
2. Biological- stocking of weed-eating fishes like grass carp, common
carp, gourami and silver barb is an effective method for long term
control and maintenance of weed population especially in grow-out.
3. Chemical or weedicides- Marginal & emergent weeds by spraying
glyphosate@3 kg/ha, foliar spray of 2-4D @ 7-10 kg/ha, phytoplankton
bloom by algicide Somazine or Diuron at 0.3 to 0.5 ppm. Anhydrous
ammonia @ 20ppm N is also effective not only in controlling the
submerged weeds but also helps to eradicate weed & predatory fish.
Strategies for development

Young fish

Fish harvest from a cage

Fish feed pellets Harvesting fish from a pond

Ornamental fishes
goldfish
Marine Algae World farmed harvest
in 2004 – 16,225,410 MT
Algae farm

China harvested 71% of total

Sushi with black

algae wrapper

Cultivated kelp
 Pearl Oyster

Inserting a nucleus

Removing a pearl

Japan is the leading

producer of pearls
 Strategies for development

1. Application of modern aquaculture techniques.

2. Introduction of new cultivable species.
3. Improvement in fish feed.
4. Improvement in the quality/availability of seed
5. Aquaculture practices in unutilized water bodies.
6. Increase the no. of hatcheries.
7. Culture of prawn, aquarium fish, FW pearl production etc. should be
emphasized.
8. Improvement in the existing extension practices.
9. Human resource development in fisheries sector
(fishermen/fishfarmers, entrepreneurs etc.)
10. Improvement in the fish marketing and processing.
Soil & water characteristics
The productivity of a fish pond depends on the physical, chemical and
biological properties of the pond soil. Pond bottom acts as the
laboratory where process of mineralization of organic matter takes
place and nutrients are released to overlying water column. Physical
properties of soil like texture and water receptivity, and chemical
properties like pH, organic carbon, available nitrogen and available
phosphorus are important parameters which require considerable
attention for effective pond management.
Slightly acidic to neutral soil with pH 6.5 to 7 is considered productive.
Since low soil pH is associated with low productivity, pond bottom
with low pH needs correction, done through lime application.
In acid sulphate soil, the high levels of pyrite (FeS2) present in the soil
remains reduced and undergo little changes as long as the soil is
submerged and anaerobic. When soil is exposed , aerobic condition
helps in oxidation of these pyrites resulting in formation of suphuric
acid, which mixes with water in the pond and reduces its pH.
Correction of soil involves, repeated drying and filling to oxidise
pyrite, filling with water and holding till water pH drops to below 4 &
draining of pond.
 Lime requirement during soil treatment
Amount of lime required X 100Kg
Soil pH Ag. Lime Calcite Dolomite Hydrated Lime Quick lime
CaCO3 (CaMg (CO3)2 Ca (OH)2 CaO
6.5 2.8 2.8 2.8 4.2 2.3
6.0 5.5 5.6 5.7 8.5 4.6
5.5 8.3 8.4 8.5 12.7 6.9
5.0 11.1 11.1 11.3 17.0 9.2
4.5 13.9 13.9 14.2 21.2 11.5
4.0 16.6 16.7 17.0 25.5 13.8
% efficiency 90.2 89.7 88.3 58.9 108.5
Similarly alkaline pH in pond water is corrected through gypsum (CaSO4)
and alum (Al2(SO4)3 . Liming is also done as a disinfecting agent in
pond with neutral soil pH and for correction of water pH or control
of turbidity in subsequent period of culture operations. Quick lime is
preferred during pond preparation for its quick and caustic action,
while calcite and dolomite are used for treatment and pH correction
of pond water during culture operation.
 Soil & water Quality Management
Site characteristics like porosity, acidity, and high organic matter
content of bottom soils encountered during culture
operations.
Drying of pond bottom to crack between crops helps in aeration,
which enhances microbial decomposition of soil organic
matter. The porosity of the pond bottom is corrected through
bentonite, lining with plastic sheet at 0.3 to 0.5 m depth and
heavy doses of organic manures (cattle dung at 10,000 to
15,000 Kg/ha/year).
The water quality parameters required for optimum growth of
carps are pH 7.5-8.3, temp. 27-32oC, DO more than 4 ppm, total
alkalinity of 80-200mg CaCO3/L, secchi disk visibility of 25-30
cm, total inorganic nitrogen 0.5 to 1 mg/L and phosphorus 0.2
to 0.3 mg/L. Variation in these water parameters occur in
culture pond and need periodic correction/management
measures.
 Soil & water Quality Management

Lime helps in improving alkalinity, hardness, controlling turbidity, and

reduces H2S build-up. Dolomite is particularly useful when
augmentation phytoplankton growth is required.
Aeration, a proven method for improving DO availability, also helps in
mineralization process reducing organic load.
Water exchange helps in reducing metabolic load. Addition of water into
pond, particularly during winter, helps in improving temperature
regime & prevents temp. stratification.
Turbidity with suspended soil particles can be controlled by cattle
manure (500-1000kg/ha), gypsum (250-500kg/ha) or alum (25-
50kg/ha).
Ammonia load in pond can be reduced through healthy growth of
phytoplankton or aeration.
The H2S build in pond can be subside through frequent water exchange.
 Water Quality Management in Aquaculture
Basic requirement of fish culture, offers favourable environment for
growth, respires with DO and get food suspended in water.
Fish Culture is influenced by various physical, chemical & biological
properties of water.
Temperature- fish can perceive a small change less than 0.10C. IMC
thrive well in 18-380C. Max. temp. in afternoon and min. in morning.
Higher temp. reduces the DO level.
pH- Indirect measurement of hydrogen ion concentration in water, less
than 4 only CO2 is absent between 7 to 10 only bicarbonate are
present , and at 11 only carbonates are present, fish die at pH 11,
diurnal fluctuation is because of CO2 conc. Used in photosynthesis.
DO- Most imp. For survival of fish, gill is the site for exchange of
oxygen, reduction in DO reduces metabolism & restricts
development & growth, sources are photosynthesis & dissolution
from atmosphere, opt. 5-12ppm, loss of DO because of respiration,
decomposition, mineralization of organic matter and direct loss to
atmosphere. DO can be improved by adding water, recirculation,
use of aerators, KMnO , and beating water surface by sticks.
Aquaculture
Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic plants and animals in controlled
environments. Finfish and shellfish are grown in artificial containers such as
earthen ponds, cages and concrete or fiberglass tanks. The cultured organism
is reproduced and offspring raised in captivity. The young organisms are
stocked at a known density and fed a nutritionally complete diet to maximize
growth rate. Water quality is monitored to maintain a healthy environment.
Animals are harvested with nets when they reach market size.
Aquaculture includes culture of fish, crustaceans, mulluscs etc.
Types 1. Freshwater includes cold water fisheries
2. Brackish water- cultivation of seabass, mullets, shrimp etc
On the basis of management 1. Extensive
2. Semi-intensive
3. Intensive
Dissolved oxygen
Estimation by two methods
1. Electrometric method (By using O2 probe)
2. Chemical method (Winkle’s method) by titration
A- 365g MnSO4.2H2O or 670g MnSO4.4H2O make it 1L by adding DW
B- 500g NaOH or 700g KOH + 150g NaI or 300g KI+10g NaN2 make it to 1L
Take sample in BOD bottle (250ml), add 1ml A & B solution, shake it
vigorously to allow the concentrate to settle the ppt. of Mn (OH) 2 and
then add 1ml of Conc. H2SO4 then titrate it with Sod. Thiosulphate
(Na2S2O3) 0.05 N normality, it is made by adding 6.205g Sod.
Thiosulphate in1L DW.
Indicator- Starch (1g starch in 1L DW) + 0.5ml formaline as preservative.
Add around 3 drops of starch, blue colour appears, then titrate with Sod
thiosulphate till blue colour disappears.
Calculation- DO (mg/L or ppm) = N X V X 8 X 1000/Vs
N – Normality of Na2S2O3 V – Volume of used Na2S2O3 Vol. of sample
Plankton
1. Phytoplanktons – Imp. Primary producers, make their food itself by
photosynthesis process, but excessive growth reduces DO.
2. Zooplantons – Zooplanktons can not make their food, take
phytoplanktons and taken by fish.

Physical condition of water

Depth, Temp., Turbidity & Light Penetration
Depth – In shallow ponds, sunlight penetrates upto bottom which warm
up water & facilitate increase in productivity, shallower tan 1 m gets
overheated. A depth of 2 m is considered congenial from the
biological point of view.
Temp – all metabolic & physiological activities and life process such as
feeding and reproduction are greatly influenced water temp., also
affects the speed of chemical changes in soil & water, generally DO
decreases with increase in temp., it shows diurnal as well as
seasonal variation, IMC thrives well in 18.3 – 37.8o C, the upper lethal
temp. for air breathing fish is 39-41OC
Turbidity- may be either due to suspended inorganic sustances, such
as silt, clay or due to planktonic organisms, it is important limiting
factor in the productivity. Turbidity can be temporary i.e. caused
by rain flood etc. or perennial. Turbidity reduces light penetration
and hence reduce photosynthetic activity.

Selection of suitable site for aquaculture

It determines the feasibility of viable operation, it depends on two main
guiding factors, the water retention capacity of the soil and its
inherent fertility & also respond readily to organic and inorganic
fertilization. Besides these there should be dependable perennial
source of adequate water supply to fill the ponds at any time of
the year. Although site selection generally based on the species to
be cultured & the technology to be employed.
The general considerations in selection of suitable site depends on
agro-climatic conditions, market accessibility, suitable
combination, protection from natural disasters, availability of
skilled and un-skilled persons, public utilities, security,
meteorological & hydrobiogical information about the area such
as year temp., rainfall, evaporation, sunshine, speed & direction of
winds & floods, water table etc. have to be examined.
Selection of suitable site for aquaculture
In case of small scale aquaculture, it is necessary to determine
whether it has easy access to materials that can not be produce in
the farm and facilities are available.
Inland based soil characteristics, the quality and quantity of available
water and the ease of filling and drainage specially by gravity are
basic considerations for freshwater farms.
Swamps, unproductive agricultural land, valleys, streams, river beds
exposed into changes of water flow etc. land elevation and flood
level have to be ascertained. The max. flood level in the last 10
years or the highest astronomical tide should not be higher than
the normal height of dikes that has to be constructed into a farm.
 Soil characteristics
Sandy clay to clayey loam soils are considered suitable for pond
construction. Texture & porosity are the two main imp. Physical
prosperities to be examined. Soil texture depends on the relative
proportion of particles of sand, silt and clay. Sandy loam soils is
considered best for diking. The size limits & some general
characteristics of the soil constituents are

Soil Dia. Of Gen. characteristics

constituents particles (mm)
Clay <0.002 Particles may remain suspended in water for a very long
period of time
Silt 0.002 – 0.05 Feels smooth & powdery when rubbed with gingers
Sand 0.05 - 2 These are individual particles, feels gritty when rubbed with
fingers

Sandy loam soils is considered best for diking.

Acid sulphate soil
Results from formation of pyrite, which is fixed and accumulated by the
reduction of sulphate from salt water, process invilves bacterial
reduction of sulphate to sulphide, partial oxidation of sulphide to
elemental sulphur followed by interaction between Ferrous (Fe++) or
Ferric ions (Fe+++) with sulphide & elemental sulphur. A sufficient
supply of sulphate & iron, high concentration of metabolisable
organic matter and sulphate reducing bacteria
Desulphovibrio desulfuricans & Desulpho maculatum in an anaerobic
environment alternated with limited aeration are the factors that give
rise to sulphate soils.
Basic consideration in the selection of species for culture
There can not be a universal fish species which can satisfy all the
desirable qualities, but which satisfies the most can be suggested.
1. Rate of growth – fishes which can grow larger size in shorter period,
because of this IMC are taken under carp culture in India.
2. Short food chain – Energy from primary producers to successive
consumers are in decreasing order therefore the fish having short
food chain like planktivorous are usually preferred. Eg. Silver & Catla
3. Adaptation to climate – Fishes adaptable to various climatic
conditions can be cultured in many areas than fishes in particular
area. Eg. Tout and Salmon cultured in Cold water opt. temp. 10-120C
whereas IMC in warm water opt. temp. 26-300C. But common carp
can be cultured throughout the world as it is adjusted to various
climatic conditions.
4. Tolerance to the fluctuation of physiochemical condition of water –
wide ranged tolerant fishes can be cultured more than narrow
ranged fishes. This have great importance in intensive fish culture.
Trout require DO of 9 mg/L, IMC 5-6mg/L, common carp 2-3mg/L,
likewise for BW fish the euryhaline nature of fish is important.
5. Acceptance of artificial feed – In intensive culture system the natural
food availability is not sufficient, therefore the fish which easily
accepts artificial feed should be preferred.
6. Resistance to common fish diseases & parasites – Although the fish
diseases are not uncommon, resistant fish are preferred.
7. Easily recruitment under controlled condition – To maintain fish culture
as a continuous practice, the assured availability of healthy and pure
seed from dependable source is imp. So the fish should breed easily
under controlled conditions. So IMC & exotic carps pref.
8. Amiability to live together – More imp. In polyculture or multi species
culture of fishes. Herbivorous fishes should not be cultured with
carnivorous & carnivorous fishes of different groups are not cultured
together likewise profuse breeding fish like Tilapia are not suitable
with carps.
9. Conversion efficiency – the fish which gives more edible flesh per
unit of food consumed in preferred than less ones.
10. Compatibility- The fish which are put in combination for culture
should not compete among themselves for space and food.
11. Consumer’s preference – The culture practice of fish is undertaken
should be in lined with local condition & consumer’s preference. Eg.
Orisa & west Bengal people prefer FW fishes than marine water
whereas in south people prefers marine fishes and Americnas prefer
catfishes than carp.
Besides these basic considerations other considerations like scaless
carp, reduced vertebrae bone, could etc. are also preferred.

Characters of culturable species of fish

The introduction focused on 6 (3IMC + 3 Exotic) carps.

Understanding the habits of fish, growth factor development, feeding &
their ecological conditions is of great practical significance to
fisheries production in India.
Characters of culturable species of fish
1. Catla (Catla catla)– It is the fastest growing indigenous carp,
conspicuous body, large head, upturned mouth, non-fringed lips,
back grayish colour, silvery on sides but tends to be dark in weedy
waters, fins large, scale pink, the fish attain sexual maturity in 2nd
year and ready to breed. Natural food is plankton floating on the
upper surface of the water, early stage food is zooplankton but later
also starts taking phytoplankton in its diet. Its capability to feed on
natural organisms based on its structure of mouth, so considered as
surface feeder.
2. Rohu (Labeo rohita) – Considered as tastiest among IMC, distinguished
by its relatively small or pointed head or terminal mouth with fringed
cover lips. Body elongated with moderately convex abdomen. Back is
brownish grey. Dull reddish scales on the sides and pink reddish fins.
The body is more linear than Catla. Sexual maturity is attained
towards the end of the 2nd year.
3. Mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala)– Next in importance to Catla & Rohu for
culture. Linear body, small head with blunt snout, sub-terminal mouth
with thin non-fringed lips, body silvery dark grey along back, fins
orange tinged with black. Grows slower than Catla & Rohu. Attains
sexual maturity in second year.
Characters of culturable species of fish
4. Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)– Body compressed, scale
small, mouth sub-superior with lower jaws rather upturned, eye
comparatively small situated below horizontal axis of body, gill
rackers densely interlaced connected & covered with a spongy sieve
membrane. Colour of body in alive condition is silvery white, dorsally
dark brown.
5. Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) – Large sized, body almost
cylindrical with flat head & brown abdomen, scales big, mouth in
front, lower jaw shorter, eyes small, gill rackers shorter & sparse,
comb like pharyngeal teeth. Dorsal fin short, dark brown back and
white abdomen.
6. Common carp (Cyprinus carpio)- 3 well knows varieties are
a. Mirror carp (Specularis)
b. Scale carp (Communis)
c. Leather carp (Nudus)
6. Common carp – Body compressed, dorsal projection in arc shaped,
round abdomen, mouth slightly downward with blunt snout and with
2 pair of barbles, on upper jaw lower pair a little longer. Long dorsal
fin scales thick and big colour of body in alive condition usually dark
grey or yellowish brown dorsally, lateral golden yellow. Apex lining of
caudal fin is slightly red.

Minor carps
1. Labeo calbasu– Commonly called as Kali Rohu. Body is bluish green,
small tapering head with sub-terminal fringed lipped mouth & 4 black
barbels. Dorsal fin with 12-13 branched rays. It is omnivorous, bottom
feeder in detritus and animals. Maturity and breeding habits are
similar to IMC. Common in Indian rivers and occasionally in
brakishwater.
2. L. fimbriatus- Commonly known as Cauvery carp. Deep body, fringed
lip, dorsal fin with 15-18 branched rays & presence of reddish spot in
the scales of middle row. It is bottom feeder and feeds occasionally
on filamentous algae and zooplankton, widely distributed in rivers of
south India.
Minor carps
3. Labeo kontius – Commonly called as Pig mouth carp. Deep slaty
colour, prominent snout, sub terminal mouth with fringed lower lips &
dorsal fin with 12-13 branched rays. Feeds in detritus, copepodes,
rotifers, algae, pieces of higher plants, widely distributed in rivers in
south India.
4. L. bata – Presence of greenish iridescence at the base of scales &
dorsal fin with 9-10 branched rays. It is omnivorous bottom feeder,
feeds on phyto & zooplankton and filamentous algae. It is distributed
in north Indian rivers up to Godavari.
5. Cirrhinus cirrhosa (white carp) – It has small head with blunt snout &
thin lips. Dorsal fin is 14-15 branched rays. The first fin rays are much
elongated. It has silvery body and scales with reddish dash (-) except
on the abdomen. It is bottom feeder on detritus & occasionally on
zooplanktons. Found in Godavari, Krishna & Cauvery.
6. Puntius sarana – It is omnivorous, feeds on detritus, filamentous algae,
micro vegetation, worms, insects, gastropods. It is common in east
Indian rivers.
Cat Fishes & other fishes – Wallago, Mystus spp., Singhi, Mangur,
Murrels, Tilapia, Prawns & cold water (sports) fishes.
Cat Fishes
The cat fishes are air breathing or live fishes. As they are capable of
directly breathing atmospheric oxygen air. They can live for a long
time without water & can therefore be transported live and fresh
condition over long distances. The body is without scales and each
of the upper and lower jaws possesses 2 pairs of long barbels in
each jaw, mouth can not be extended, having jaws with teeth. The
adipose fin may or may not be present. Majority of cat fishes are
predatory & cannibalistic feeding on the all pond animals including
fish fry.
Wallago attu (Freshwater Shark) – Large mouth beyond the eyes,
numerous teeth, absence of adipose fin, highly predatory so not
suitable for pond culture.
Mystus aor – adipose fin present, 1st dorsal fin reaching to adipose fin,
common in rivers and reservoirs of north India.
M. seenghala – 4 pairs of barbels, long upper jaws deeply forked caudal
fin, in which upper lobe is longer than the lower moderately sized
adipose fin, distributed widely in north Indian rivers.
Heteropneustes fossilis (Singhi) – adipose fin absent and rounded caudal
fin, besides animals it also feeds on algae, higher plants. It is suitable
Clarias batrachus (Mangur) – Adipose fin absent, elongated dorsal, long
anal & round caudal fin (identifying features). Dorsal fin is small,
feeding habits and distribution are similar to Singhi.
Murrels (Snake headed) – Air breathing, have good demand in market,
found in shallow and derelict swamp, suitable for culture in irrigation
canals & derelict swamps. They have a protected breeding season.
The peak breeding is associated with pre-monsoon months.
Channa marulius (Giant snake head) – Dorsal, anal fin are long & without
spines. Suitable for culture in ponds along with Tilapia. The young
ones of Tilapia serves as food for C. marulius.
C. striatus (stripped snake head) – Stripes are present on its body.
Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) – An exotic fish introduced in India
from east coast of Africa in 1952. It is characterized by an anterior
spiny dorsal fin & posterior soft dorsal fin. Male is identified from
female by its enlarged upper jaws. Maturity occurs even in 2 months
old individuals (monosex culture can be advisable). It breeds nearly 8
times in a year, female keep the fertilized eggs guarded in its mouth,
young ones acts as food for Murrels in Tilapia cum Murrel culture.
Cold water fishes (sport fishes)

Trout – Comes in order Salmoniformes,

Charateristics are -
1. Body is streamlined and covered with scales.
2. The Head is naked.
3. Have narrow gill opening and reduced gills.
4. Adopted to highly oxygenated water and freezing temperature.
5. They have great powers of locomotion, clinging and burrowing habits
6. They have modified mouth & lips for rasping food particles within
rocks, pebbles etc.
7. An adipose fin is present in addition to rayed dorsal fin.
8. The barbels are absent.
9. Trout feeds chiefly on insects, molluscs, small fishes. However they
are cannabalistic.
Brown trout (salmo trutta fario)
It is a river and lake fish of cold north hemisphere & got introduced to
Himalayan rivers of India.
Adipose fin above posterior part of anal, pectoral fin don’s reach the
base of pelvic, caudal fin emarginated, minute scales, deep brown
back with sides somewhat lighter. The upper part of head and body
above lateral line are marked with numerous dark spots, fins are
dark.
Rainbow trout (Onrhynchus mykiss or Salmo gairdnerii)
Introduced to Nilgiris & high ranges of Kerala from north America.
It has small mouth, positioning of adipose fin above the anal &
emarginated caudal fin, head and dorsal side are steel blue in colour
with a reddish band along the sides, belly is light coloured. It is
numerous dark spots above lateral line. The dorsal and caudal fin are
marked with dark spots, other fins are slightly pinkish, sides have
rainbow iridescence.
Mahseer
Belongs to order Cypriniformes
Tor tor (Red finned Mahseer)
It is a stout, sturdy fish, has deep body with small mouth & narrow gaps
and fleshy lips, deeply notched caudal fin. Maxillary barbels are
longer than rostral barbels, dorsal side is grayish green, lateral sides
are pinkish with greenish gold above & light alive green. Its belly is
silvery.
It is an omnivorous feeder on filamentous algae, weeds, insects etc.
It is commonly distributed in foothills of Himalaya, Bihar, West Bengal,
Assam and M.P.
Tor putitora (Yellow Finned Mahseer)
Commonly found in streams of Himalayas, head is broadly pointed,
length of head is greater than depth of body, male has enlarged lips
with two pairs of barbels of equal length, the pectorals are shorter
than head, caudal fin is sharply divided. It is an omnivorous feeder on
filamentous algae, insect larvae, water plants.
Tor khudree (Deccan Mahseer)
The depth of body is equal to length of its head, anterior most part of
body is pointed, has fleshy lips and deeply forked caudal fin. Dorsal
side and areas above lateral line are black & belly is creamy yellowish
white. Its feeding habit are similar to that of Tor tor.
Acrossocheilus hexagonolepis (Chocolate Mahseer)
It is a hill stream fish common in Eastern Himalayas & Assam. It has
thick lips, red eyes which distinguish it from other Mahseer. Its head
is higher than its width & has sub-terminal mouth, thick lips large
scale, caudal fin is deeply forked with pointed lobes. Dorsal surface
of body and head are green. It is omnivorous bottom feeder on
aquatic weeds, insects etc.
Coldwater Fisheries
 Categorization of Coldwater fishes
on the basis of temperature
tolerance
• The temperature tolerance of coldwater fish lies at lower levels
of the thermal scale, which is of critical significance and plays a
crucial role in their dispersal in the uplands.On the basis of
temperature tolerance, the coldwater fishes are categorized as-
• Eurythermal- Having broad temperature tolerance range.

Example: Schizothorax richardsonii, Cyprinus carpio and

Barilius bendelisis.

• Stenothermal- Having a narrow temperature tolerance range,

nearly upto the freezing point of water.
Example: Salmo trutta fario, Salvelinus fontinalis.
• Thermal range for different fishes
• Snow trout (Schizothorax spp.) 5-25°C
• Mahseer 10-30°C
• For exotic trouts 4-20°C
• For exotic carps 7-32°C
 Some Important Coldwater Fishes
• Schizothorax richardsonii
• Cyprinus carpio var. specularis
• Cyprinus carpio var. communis
• Tinca tinca
• Labeo dyocheilus
• Labeo dero
• Glyptothorax pectinopterus
• Barilius bendelisis
• S. longipinnis
• S. niger
• S. longipinnis
• Tor putitora
• T. tor
• T. khudree
• T. malabaricus
• Neolissochilus hexagonolepis
 Fisheries
• Majority of coldwater fishes are caught individually by
local fishermen in rivers and streams and do not form
fisheries of commercial importance.
• Some fishes form the part of commercially important
food fishes, dwelling in uplands.
For example: Snow trout, Tor spp., common carp, Labeo
dyochelius and Labeo dero.
• Fish production in majority of hill states ranges from
20000 tonnes to 42,000 tonnes since 1996-97 to 2004-
05.
• An important aspect of coldwater fish of the uplands is
the opportunity the species provide for sport.
Culture of shell fishes of India

Giant river prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)

It is the largest among freshwater prawn, found in all rivers of east and
west coast of India and coastal areas throughout Bay of Bengal. It
has long sword shaped rostrum with equal no. of teeth on both upper
and lower edges. It is benthophagic omnivorous. It migrates to
estuary during breeding season.

Monsoon river prawn (Macrobrachium malcolmsonii)

It is found in all peninsular rivers of India. The second cheilipedes of
female are much longer and stouter than the body. It also migrates to
estuary during breeding season.
 FRESHWATER AQUACULTURE
SEED PRODUCTION AND
GROWOUT OF
GIANT FRESHWATER PRAWN

Mature male & female

Salinity 12 ppt (10 to 14 ppt) Seed Harvest

Hatchery Growout pond

Farm raised Scampi

(Freshwater Prawn)
PRAWN HATCHERY
Different practices of freshwater aquaculture
Monoculture - it is a practice of culturing one species of fish, in this
practice only one type of natural food i.e. phyto or zooplankton is
utilized. Culture of Catfishes, Murrels, Trout.
Stocking density is low, overall production and net income from
monoculture is less than polyculture practices.

Polyculture - It is culture of more than two species of fish at a time in

pond for efficient utilization of all available food at different trophic
levels and different layers of water. So as to achieve max. fish
production in the shortest possible time. It is also known as
Composite Fish Culture. Basic principles is that when compatible fish
species with different feeding habits are cultured together they
secure themselves in the most efficient manner. There is not any
serious competition among the species in fact one species may be
beneficial to other. The concept of polyculture originated in China
where 6 species culture is more popular in Chinese polyculture
system.
 Composite Fish Culture
SEED PRODUCTION AND GROWOUT OF CARPS

INDIAN EXOTIC

Circular Growout pond

hatchery

Seed farm Harvest

Silver carp – Phytoplanton feeder – Surface feeder
Grass carp – Macrovegetation – Column feeder
Coomon carp – Omnivorous – Bottom feeder
Big head carp – Aristichthys nobilis – Macrovegetation
Bream – Parabremis pekinensis – Omnivorous
These fishes are cultured to get highest fish production.
Polyculture in India
Similar species are cultured, stocked in ration of 40:20:30:10
(Surface: Column: Bottom: Grass Carp)
Stocked at the rate of 10,000/ha
IMC – Catla – Zooplankton feeder – Surface
Rohu – Phytoplankton feeder – Column
Nain – Detritus feeder – Bottom
Exotic/ Chinese Carp
Management Practices
Pond Preparation – There are various aspects in ponds preparation which
should be carried out before pond is used for culture for first time &
for subsequent crops. The main objective of pond preparation are to
provide fish with a clean pond base & appropriate stable water
quality.
1. Cleaning – During fish production cycle considerable quantity of
organic waste accumulates in pond bottom depending upon the
cultural practices followed. Its waste must be removed to ensure
sustain fish production from the pond. There are two methods –
a. Dry method – In this method, after the final harvest the pond bottom
is dried and crack developed primarily to oxidize the organic
components, left over in the pond after the previous culture. The
pond bottom should be dried for at least 7-10 days & the soil should
crack to a depth of 2.5 – 5.0 cm. After drying the pond bottom is
ploughed up to a depth of 15 cm.
b. Wet method – In this method, after the final harvest, the accumulated
organic matter at pond bottom is flushed out in form of a thin slurry
using a heavy duty pump.
2. Liming – Advantages
a. It corrects acidity of water.
b. It helps to raise bicarbonate content.
c. It promotes decomposition of organic matter.
d. It supplies Ca, for growth of freshwater flora, molluscs,
crustaceans.
e. It helps to establish pH buffer system.
f. It utilizes the action of Sodium (Na+) & Magnesium (Mg2+) ions, due
to toxic and caustic property, it helps to kill harmful bacteria.
Pond fertilization
The main objective of adding fertilizers in fish pond is to maintain the
sustain production of natural fish food organisms during the entire
culture period.
Types –
1. Organic fertilizers
2. Inorganic fertilizers
 Pre-stocking Preparation
• Soil tests
• Pre-flooding period depend on fish
species being stocked
• Water chemistry
– pH
– alkalinity
• at least 20 mg/L
– nutrients
• nitrogen and phosphorus
 Fertilization
• Purpose is to promote the growth and
development of correct size and species of
zooplankton prey for fish fry.
 Population Trends
? Copepods
3-4 weeks
Rotifers Cladocerans
1-2 weeks 2-3 weeks
 Quality Zooplankton
• Species
• Size
– different fish species need different sizes of
zooplankton as first prey.
 Organic Fertilizers
• Plant and animal materials
– zooplankton feed on organic or the
bacteria/protozoa feeding on organic
• Long-term application
• Selection criteria
– low carbon:nitrogen ratio
– fine particle size
– readily available and economical
 Fertilizers Applications
• Inorganic Fertilizers
– liquid
• mixed into prop wash or mixed 10:1 (sprayed)
– powder
• soluble, blown onto pond surface
– granular
• fairly insoluble, placed onto shallow wooden platform 1ft
below pond surface
• Organic Fertilizers
– apply fertilizers completely around pond edge
– frequent application
Concerns Related to Fertilization
• Low oxygen levels (organic)
• Costs of either the product (inorganic) or
transportation (organic)
• Greater fluctuations in daily oxygen and pH
levels
• Increased aquatic vegetation levels
 What fertilizer to use?
• Inorganic fertilizers for immediate results
• Organic fertilizers for long-term application
• Combination of both
 Inorganic Fertilizers
• Limiting factor in freshwater systems is
often phosphorus
– in late summer, nitrogen may be limiting
• Fast acting
• Selection criteria
– adequate phosphorus and nitrogen
– economical and ease of application
• Chemical designation N:P:K
 Water Quality Assessment
• Daily measurement of oxygen levels
• Weekly measurements of nitrogenous
variables and pH
– ammonia nitrogen
– nitrates
 Zooplankton Monitoring
• Sample prior to stocking and every week
thereafter
• Samplers
– zooplankton net
– tube sampler
– pumps
– visual
• Desirable number -> 500+ animals/gal
 Summary
• Establish large populations of desirable
zooplankton prior to stocking larval fish
• Maintain fertilization rates as long as
water quality allows
• Difficult to manage both large
populations of zooplankton and fish fry
• Assess water quality
 Conclusions
• One recipe for all ponds is difficult
• Is there a marked improvement of fish
production over a pond’s natural
productivity?
• No need to fertilize ponds where fish are
being fed.
2. In organic Fertilizers – These are simple inorganic compounds which
primarily contain at least one or more elements of NPK. Commercial
inorganic fertilizers used for pond culture are the same as those of
agricultural crops. Due to their high solubility in water the nutrients
become readily available soon after their application.
According to composition chemical fertilizers are –
a. Nitrogen fertilizers
b. Phosphorus fertilizers
c. Potash fertilizers
a. Nitrogen fertilizers – They contain nitrogen and are available as
ammonium sulphate, ammonium nitrate and urea. The form of
nitrogenous fertilizers are selected on the basis of acidity and
alkalinity of pond soil. Nitrogenous fertilizers are particularly
essential for newly constructed pond ( because organic matter is not
present in pond bottom). The efficiency of N fertilizers is inhibited by
phosphorus deficiency.
It is best to maintain the P:N ratio as 1:4
b. Phosphorus fertilizers – Almost all fish ponds have phosphorus
deficiency. Phosphatic fertilizers are most effective & favourable for
fish culture.
- Superphosphate are most suitable in water, di-calcium phosphate is
partially soluble in water, rock phosphate is almost insoluble in
water, single super phosphate (SSP) is extensively used and easily
available, generally phosphatic fertilizers are held in soil and its
action is extended to subsequent years of its application.

c. Potash fertilizers – Potassium remain available in required quantity in

natural water. It is commonly available in form of Muret of Potash
(K2CO3) & Sulphate of Potash (K2SO4).
The favourable action of Potassium fertilizers can be seen in ponds
with low alkalinity. In general for ponds in which phytoplankton
production is rather slow, this fertilizers may be applied. It also
improves the hygienic condition of pond.
Advantages of applying inorganic fertilizers

1. Exact composition of inorganic fertilizers is advantageous.

2. Mineralization is very fast, giving quick effect on pond productivity.
3. Lack of pollution.
4. No BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand) is required for chemical fertilizers
or in other words there beneficial effect on oxygen content.
5. Used in small quantity and applied as additive manures. Hence
convenient for utilization.
Nutrient profile of some common manures & fertilizers
Sl. No. Manures/fertilizers N% P% K%
Manures of animal origin
1. Raw cow dung (RCD) 0.6 0.16 0.45
2. Pig Dung (PD) 0.6 0.45 0.50
3. Duck droppings 1 1.4 0.62
4. Poultry excreta 1.6 1.5 - 2 0.8
Manures of plant origin
1. Mustard oil cake 4.5 2.0 1.0
2. GNOC (Ground nut) 7.8 1.5 1.3
3. Mahua oil cake 2.5 0.8 1.8
Inorganic
1. Urea 43-46
2. Ammonium nitrate 20.5
Phosphatic
1. Single Super Phosphate(SSP) 16-20
2. Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) 40-45
Potash
1. Muret of Potash 48-62
2. Sulphate of Potash 47-50
• Fertilization in fish pond starts 10-15 days prior to seed stocking
depends upon the nutrient status & chemical environment of pond
soil.
• Proper analysis of soil & water is essential before deciding
fertilization schedule.

Nutrient status of different types of soil pond

Productivity pH N Potash Organic

level (mg/100g of soil) P2O5 (mg/100g of carbon (%)
soil)

High 6.6 - 7.5 50 6 - 12 1.5

Medium 5.5 - 6.5 25-49 3-5 0.5 – 1.4
Low Below 5.5 Less than 25 Less than 3 Less than 0.5
Amount of fertilizers @Kg/ha/year
High Medium Low
Raw cow dung 5000-8000 8000-10000 10000-25000
Urea 112-155 156-225 226-260
Ammonium Sulphate 225-330 - -
Calcium Ammonium Nitrate - 350-500 501-650
Single Super Phosphate 150-219 220-315 316-405
Triple Super Phosphate 54-75 76-110 111-145

Fertilization Schedule
Quantity (Kg/ha) Periodicity of application
Raw cow dung (RCD) 2000 Initial
1000 Monthly
Urea (6.5-7.5) 25 Monthly
Ammonium Sulphate (>7.5) 30 Monthly
Cal. Ammonium Nitrate (5.5-6.5) 30 Monthly
Single Super Phosphate (SSP) 20 Monthly
Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) 8 Monthly
In general
Urea = 140
Triple Super Phosphate = 60
In 4 to 6 installments
Food and Feeding Habits
The thorough knowledge about food and feeding habits of culturable
varieties of fishes taken for culture is one of essential factor for
successful fish farming. The food resources in ponds are varied in
forms for which a judicious combination of species for rearing is
essential.
The natural food of fishes is classified into 3 groups
1. Main food.
2. Occasional food.
3. Emergency food.
1. Main food – It is the natural food, which the fish prefers under
favourable conditions, in which it grows best.
2. Occasional food – Food which is consumed when main food is not
available.
3. Emergency food – Food ingested when preferred food items are not
available & on which just survive.
According to Nikolskii, the natural food on fishes are classified into 4
categories on the basis of gut analysis
1. Basic food – which comprises the main part of gut contents.
2. Secondary food – which is found frequently on gut contents but less
in quantity.
3. Incidental food – which rarely found in the gut contents.
4. Obligatory food – which is consumed in absence of basic food.
However, on basis of characteristic of diet, fishes are classified into –
a. Herbiovorous
b. Phytophagus
c. Detritophagic
d. Carnivorous
e. Predatory
f. Omnivorous
g. Coprophagus
On basis of tropic level, fishes are grouped into-
Plankton or Filter Feeder – Catla & Silver Carp.
Column Feeder – Rohu.
Bottom Feeder – Nain.
Usually Herbivorous, Carnivorous show definite peak period in feeding,
while omnivorous show little variation throughout the year.
Factors influencing feeding
1. Temperature – Rate of feeding, metabolism and growth are affected
not only by the ability of food but also by water temperature. IMC &
exotic carps shows less food intake when water temperature falls
below 150C and below 8 – 100C the fish specially Silver & Grass Carp
almost stop feeding.
IMC have tolerance range of 17.5 to 380C, whereas Grass Carp have
tolerance up to 400C.
The suitable temperature for Chinese Carps is 20 – 320C.

2. pH – When pH of water drops below 5.5 metabolism lowers rapidly &

apatite of fish is affected. This ultimately affects the ingestive
variation (Food intake) of fish.
However the cultivable carp adapt themselves to weak alkaline water of
pH 7 to 8.5.

3. Oxygen – The optimum range of pH for food intake is 6 to 7 ppm.

Fish seed transportation & Stocking

Fish seed
collection
from rivers

Techniques standardized for the riverine spawn

collection nets in terms of their shape size and
mesh-size to suit different hydrological
conditions.
Why collection & transport of spawn
The spawn of the IMC is collected from flooded rivers during
the monsoon months by means of shooting nets. The
collection of spawn is highly localized. However farming
of fish can be carried out almost anywhere in the most
diverse habitats and climatic conditions- in ponds, lakes,
reservoirs etc. This clearly indicates that there is a need
to transport fish spawn or fry from its collection centre in
the place of fish farming.
Fish seed
transportation

The traditional practice of transporting fish seed

in earthen pots (hundies) used to cause heavy
mortalities. Techniques developed for packing and
transport of spawn, fry and fingerlings in
polythene bags with oxygen, it has enabled to
minimize the mortality rate to the great extent.
Transport under oxygen
Traditionally, fish seed transportation was done in earthen hundies, half filled with river
water, wherein about 10,000 to 15000 live spawn were kept for transportation
(Approx. 30 ml). Gradually the earthen hundies were replaced by aluminium ones.
These hundies were manually carried on slings. As the oxygen demand of live
spawn is high, periodic splashing of water is done to aerate it for enriching supply of
dissolved oxygen to the spawn. These methods are still practiced in eastern India
and invariably result in 30-40% mortality of spawn over long distance
transportation.
The method of packing live fish seed under oxygen for transportation developed. In this
technique a plastic bag of about 300 guage is supported in a container, usually
used Kerosene or vegetable oil tins, improvised to have a hinged cover with a latch
and locking facility. The bag is filled up to one-third with ambient water, and
according to the time required for transport, 50,000 to 1,00,000 spawn are packed
in one tin. The bag is then emptied of air and by means of an oxygen cylinder, slow
release of oxygen is done to bloat up the plastic bag to fill the tin. It is then firmly
tied and the tin is trasported.
Improvisations in the packing (transport by rail/truck/air)

Instead of used tins, new GI sheet tins are used nowadays,

which have a longer life specially for transport by
rail/truck, etc. For trasportation by air, either tins are used
or thermocoale sheet packing is done in corrugated
cardboard boxes, which are light and hence, the freight
expense are less. However, the oxygen-filled plastic bag
for spawn is basically utilized in each case.
Such methods are also used for trasportation of fry and
fingerlings produced in hatcheries. The number of seed
packed per tin however, is different. About 1000-1200 fry
(20-30mm) or 500 to 600 fingerlings (40-50mm) are packed
per tin for a 24 hours journey.
Fish seed stocking in ponds
Carp spawn transported from hatchery is acclimatized in
nursery pond and released during cool hours of the day,
i.e. in the morning or evening. Acclimatization is an
important aspect for spawn survival and needs attention
to avoid any abrupt change in water quality, importantly
temperature and pH.
Generally mono-species rearing of spawn is practiced in carp
nursery. Stocking density of the spawn is determined
based on the pond productivity & the type of management
measures to be followed. The stocking density in earthen
nurseries normally ranges between 3-5 million/ha.
However it can be increased to 10 million/ha with better
management measures. With proper pond management
survival of 40-50% of fry is normally achieved in earthen
nursery at the end of 15-20 days.
Fish seed stocking in ponds
In earthen rearing ponds, usually stocking density followed is 0.2-
0.3 million fry/ha, which can be further increased in ponds with
facilities for water circulation/exchange and/or aeration etc.
within 2-3 months of rearing fry grows to fingerling of 80-100
mm in length, normally survival of 60-70% is achieved in
rearing ponds with proper management.
In grow out culture ponds in low-input system stocking of carp
fingerling up to 3000/ha
Generally a density of 5,000- 10,000 fingerlings/ha is kept as a
standard stocking rate in carp polyculture for a production
target of 3-5 tonnes/ha/year. In seasonal ponds or where water
level becomes limiting during summers, it is reduced to 2,000-
3,000 fingerlings/ha to obtain higher growth.
With provision of water exchange and aeration, higher target fish
production level of 10-15 tonnes/ha/year are achieved by
resorting to stocking ponds at a density of 15,000-25,000/ha.
Fish Food Organisms & their Production
Plankton – It is a collective term applied for very minute (microscopic)
extremely diverse forms of organisms both plants and animals. That
are floating at the will of wave and other water movements. The
plankton occurs in all natural waters as well as in artificial
impoundments like Ponds, Tanks, Reservoirs etc.
The term plankton was coined by Victor Hensen (1887). The single
planktonic organism called Plankter.
The plankton community is comprised by organisms of plant origin –
Phytoplankton, Animal origin – Zooplankton.
Phytoplankton – These are represented by all the classes of algae i.e.
Chlorophyceae (Green algae), Cyanophyceae (Blue green algae),
Bacillariophyceae (Diatoms), Euglenophyceae, Pyrophyceae.
Zooplankton – are represented mainly by
1. Protozoa 2. Rotifera 3. Crustacea
Majority of zooplankton population in inland water is comprised by
Rotifera, Cladocera and Copepoda
However in Certain water bodies Ostracode may also present in sizeable
proportion.
 Phytoplankton
The main group of phytoplankton are

Oscillatoria Ceratium Euglena

Blue-green algae Dinoflagellate Dinophyta Euglenoids
Cyanophyceae Euglenophyta

Uroglena Cymbella Pediastrum

Diatoms
Golden algea Chrysophyceae Bacillariophyceae Green algae Chlorophyta
Zooplankton
There are 3 main groups of Zooplankton
1. Ciliata (Protozoas) 2. Rotatoria (Rotifera)

Paramecium Keratella
3. Crustacea

Daphnia Eudiaptomus Nauplius

Classification of Plankton
1. On the basis of size –
a. Macroplankton – Visible by naked eyes.
b. Netplankton – Caught by bolting silk net no. 25 of mesh size 0.03 to 0.04 mm
c. Nanoplankton – Smaller than netplankton.
2. On the basis of distribution
a. Limmnoplankton – Found in lake
b. Heleoplankton – Found in pond
c. Rheoplankton / Potamoplankton – Found in running water
d. Halioplankton – Found in salt water
e. Hypalmyroplankton – Found in brakishwater
3. On the basis of Origin –
a. Autogenic plankton – Plankton produced locally
b. Allogenic plankton – Introduced from other locality
4. On the basis of content
a. Euplankton – True plankton
b. Psedoplankton – Debris
5. Life history
a. Haloplankton – Free floating throughout life
b. Meroplankton – A part of their life is free floating
Plankton community undergo mark seasonal fluctuations in various
types of Inland water bodies. Population density of plankton is an
indicative of productivity of water bodies. High population of both
phyto and zoo plankton are observed in nutrient rich ecosystem. A
mean phytoplankton biomass of 10mg/m3 in euphotic zone is
indicative of high eutrophic condition.
The population of zooplankton is also largely depend on phytoplankton
population, majority of rotifers, Cladocera and population of
Copepods is dependent on phytoplankton for food. Besides
phytplankton, zooplankton also invariably utilize detritus organic
particles.
Rotifers being small in size, as compared to Cladocera & Copepoda
serve as food for the fry, in the early stages.
The Population of phytoplankton is mainly dependent concentration of
nutrients specially nitrogen & phosphorus. Under very high nutrient
condition, phytoplankton often form bloom. Most common bloom
forming species are
Euglena, Chlorella, Chlamydomonas, Microcystis, Anabaena,
Oscillatoria
Excessive population of phytoplankton are often main cause of
organic pollution. The plankton population is also dependent
on temperature, rate of grazing and predation.

Plankton constitute the most important part of food chain in

aquatic ecosystem most of energy in grazing food chain is
transferred to Plankton.

Under culture condition, the fertilization of pond is routinely to

raise population of plankton so as to provide more amount of
natural food.

In the intensive culture and rearing of spawn, the natural food in

the nursery soon gets exhausted. To compensate for this
depletion, the desired species of Rotifers are cultured
separately and introduced into the nursery pond.

Culture of fish food organisms

Culture of fish food organisms
The earlier stages of shell & finfish are known to feed protein
rich zooplankton such as Brachionus plicatilis, B. rubens,
Euchlams spp. Daphnia carinata, Moina spp. Ceridaphnia spp.
Artemia salina (Brine shrimp)
Culture of Diatoms
Navicula, Chlorella, Cyclotella spp. It can be undertaken in
simple test tube to large outdoor tanks. Monoculture of
Diatoms spp. Serve as an ideal food source for zooplankton
culture and also for fish larvae in indoors & outdoors.
1. Sterilization of glasswares – Cotton plugs, glasswares such as
Petridish of 5-10 cm diameter, test tubes and flasks of 1-2 L
capacity etc. are first cleaned with chromic acid or chlorate
sulphuric acid followed by repeated rinsing in distilled water &
sterilization in autoclave under a pressure of 7kg/cm2 for 30
min.
2. Preparation of medium – The culture medium is prepared with
various salts and is sterilized in an autoclave, cooled & kept
ready.
3. Culture in test tube or Petridish – In each of sterilized test tube a
known quantity of the above medium in introduced aseptically & the
tube is cotton plugged. Similarly a pair of suitable Petridishes, one
fitting over other is taken & in the lower dish a known quantity of
medium is introduced aseptically and covered immediately with
other Petridish. The live diatom shells are sorted out from planktons
sample obtained by the filtration of pond water with a plankton net,
with the help of a binocular microscope & pipette. These cells are
identified & washed repeatedly in the sterilized nutrient medium in
5-6 watch glasses. The cells after repeated washing, transferred
to test tube or Petridish containing medium.
The culture should be exposed to light from a fluorescent tube. The sub-
cultures are made periodically & the cultures of test tube are then
transferred to flasks (1-3L) capacity, containing the nutrient enriched
medium.
Before inoculating the flask with test tube cultures, it is necessary to
record the number of cells/ml and volume of cultures. Further when
the cells are in exponential phase of growth. The cultures should be
harvested & transferred to larger culture tanks.
Controlled culture Simple culture bottles
Rotifer culture

Test tube & Petri dish

4. Batch culture - This involves mass culture of diatoms in outdoor
circular tanks having 500 L capacity. The bottom of these tanks
slopes to a central outlet for empty.
The outdoor tanks containing filtered freshwater, filled with
fertilizer- mixed in the composition of Ammonium sulphate
(100g/m3), super phosphate (15g/m3), & Urea (5g/m3).
The prepared cultures are transferred to these outdoor tanks & are
maintained for 1-2 days. It would be better if the tanks are
placed in areas without direct sunlight.
Mass culture of Zooplankton
It includes culture of Rotifers and Cladocerans. It is undertaken in circular tanks of
5000 L capacity, & kept in areas with artificial light or diffused sunlight and covered
with polythene sheets.
Before use, the tanks are steam cleaned & filled with about 1000 L of Diatom culture,
where the number of cells would be about 106 cells/ml. The tank is then inoculated
with Rotifers & Cladocerans, collected either from the cultures already maintained
or from the natural sources at the rate of 10 individuals/ml.
The Rotifers or Cladocerns are harvested with a net of fine bolting silk, when they attain
density of 100 organisms/ml. This requires about a week. These are then
transferred to fish & shellfish larval rearing tanks or frozen for future use.

Cladocerans culture
Hatching of Artemia cyst
Culture of Artemia
Artemia is commonly known as Sea monkey or Brine shrimp.
Inhibits in Salt Pan Waters (>200ppt salinity). The eggs/ Cyst
are of commercial importance as the hatched Nauplii, serve as
an ideal protein rich food source to many fish & Prawn Larvae
in culture system.

In laboratory, Artemia cyst allowed to float on the surface of

filtered normal sea water, where they hatch in 24-48 hours
depending upon the atmospheric temperature. Eggs can also
be incubated in a solution containing two full spoons of
common salt mixed in 1 L of freshwater.
Hatching of Artemia cyst – about 250g cysts are sprinkled in 100 L
of seawater (30-35ppt salinity). Vigorous aeration & suitable
temp (26-300C) may fasten hatching process. The hatched
Nauplii could be attracted using a light source & collected by a
very fine meshed net. They are either transferred to culture
chambers containing fish or prawn larvae as live food or can
be stored frozen as Rotifers and Daphnia.
Algal culture
Aquaculture animals have to obtain all their nutritional
requirements through food which they consumed. In Nature,
most of them subsist on live foods consisting of plants and
animals obtained from the environment. The initial source of
food for many larval organisms is phytoplankton. This is
associated with the size of the larvae at hatching. After a
certain period of time the larvae of most species can be fed
mostly on zooplankton or a combination of plant and animal
matter. It is possible to obtain both types of food from nature.
But is will be more convenient to culture algae under
controlled condition for hatchery use.
An algal culture system generally consists of 3-4 main stages,
starting with and maintaining stock culture from which
cultures are made at regular intervals, in small flasks (50 ml
volume), followed by culturing carboys (12 L) or tanks (300 L).
Stock cultures can be maintained in small screw top test tubes
(that can be autoclaved for sterilization) using low level
enriching media for maintenance rather than heavy growth.
Algal culture
A 12 hours photoperiod is considered enough for Diatoms. The
incident light level requires for stock culture is 750-1000 Lux.
Which can be provided by two 30-40 watt cool white
fluorescent bulbs placed in front of stock culture tubes. A
temperature of about 240C is maintained, after about a month
the stock culture should be transferred in aseptic condition, to
create new culture lines.
In 2nd culture phase – Aliquot (of 2ml) of stock culture are used to
inoculate autoclaved small flask (125 ml). The light intensity
about 1500 Lux is necessary though aeration may not be
necessary. The flask should be shaken to reduce shading. A
four days old flask culture is used as inoculum for the next
phase of culture.
The next phase of culture in Carboys (12-20 L capacity) with an
autoclavable stopper fitted with an air supply line & a screw
top inoculation tube. The latter enables more or less aseptic
inoculation of cultures & the aeration pipe reduces settling of
cells on the bottom.
Algal culture
After 4 days of growth, in carboys the final phase of culture can be started. For this
larger fibre glass tanks are used. While for laboratory use 300 L tanks may be
suitable. For commercial farms, larger tanks of about 1 ton capacity will be
necessary. Circular or rectangular tanks painted white are often preferred,
illumination is provided by a series of 40 watt fluorescent bulbs suspended
directly above the tanks. Constant illumination & aeration with air stones or
other devices for adequate circulation are necessary.
Several methods are available for harvesting algae, high density cultures can be
concentrated by centrifugation. Harvesting is done by siphoning off the
supernatant or by skimming cells of surface as applicable. Centrifugation of
algal cultures can be performed with standard dairy cream separator. The rate
of flow of culture from the bowl to the centrifuge head is adjusted according to
species of algae & centrifugation rate of separator. The algae deposit on wall
of centrifuge head has to be removed and suspended in water where possible
live algae are directly pumped into larval tanks. When necessary concentrated
cultures are frozen for storage.
Aquatic insects and their control
Aquatic insects constituted about 4% of total insect fauna, which exist in the
world. Aquatic insects either in their adult or larval stage prey directly on carp
spawn or injured the young ones by sucking body fluid or indirectly competing
for food with carp spawn. Therefore, the pond culture technique includes the
control & removal of harmful aquatic insects. Such eradication of harmful
insects from ponds play a very important role in increasing fry survival rate.
However, common insects found in the culturable ponds being smaller in sizes, can
not make any harm to rather bigger sized fish including fingerlings & yearlings.
Thus removal or control of insects in stocking pond is not compulsory. Out of
11 orders of Class Insecta - 3 orders 1) Hemiptera 2) Coleoptera 3) Odonata
are relatively common in freshwater ponds.
The important families with examples under different orders are -
Family Example
1. Notonectidae a. Notonecta (water boatman or backswimmers)
b. Anisopes
2. Belostomidae a) Belastoma (Giant water bug)
3. Nepidae a) Nepa (Water scorpion)
b) Ranatra (Water stick insect)
Order - Coleoptera
The important families with examples under different orders are -
Family Example
1. Dytiscidae a. Cybister (Diving beetle)
2. Hydrophilidae a) Hydrophilus (Scavenger beetle)
b) Sternolophus (Water scavenger)
3. Gyrinidae a) Gyrinus
b) Dineutes (Whirling beetles)

Order – Odonata Dragon fly nymph

Order – Hemiptera
Includes water bugs, are relatively more dangerous as their complete aquatic
life both larval as well as adult stage. They have very strong piercing type
mandibles.
Intensity of predation
- Cybister consumes about 15-20 fry of 20-40 mm in 24 hours.
- Anisopes & Ranatra consumes 182 and 122 carp spawn respectively in 24 hours.
- Dragon fly nymph consumes about 7 fry in 3 hours & 24 spawn in 24 hours.
- These bugs secrete toxic salivary substances which kill the prey.
- Sternolophus & Gyrinus suck body fluid and even sometime kill spawn and fry.

Control measures
Simple way of controlling is by netting but complete removal is not possible by
netting. Application of Oil Soap emulsion in ratio of (56:18)/ha (56 L oil & 18
Kg Soap per ha) is an age old practice. It is recommended to apply 12-24
hours before releasing the spawn. The oil film float over the surface of water.

Mode of action of soap-oil emulsion

These insects periodically come to surface regularly for breathing atmospheric
oxygen by raising their tracheal tubes over water surface. Oil films enter into
tracheal tube and damages respiratory system of insects by blocking.
Method of application
Soap & oil are heated and mixed into homogenous solution and then it is
sprinkled over water surface manually. Addition of soap or any detergents
helps to form thin film with micro droplets at the surface.

1. Kerosene oil – 80 – 100 L/ha

2. Diesel – 1000 ml in 200 m2 area
3. Turpentine oil @ 75 L/ha used to kill most of the insects in 30 min.
4. Buton @ 1 - 2 ml / L for 25 m 2
 SEED PRODUCTION AND GROWOUT OF MAGUR

Aquatic weed control Air-breathing fish culture

 Induced
breeding

Composite
Fish culture
 INTEGRATED FISH FARMING

INTEGRATION OF FISH WITH

AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE
AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
Paddy cum fish culture Fish cum horticulture

Fish-duck culture Cattle on pond dyke Poultry shed on fish pond Pig site on pond
dyke
 Integrated
fish farming

Paddy cum fish culture

Pig cum fish culture