Question

Which one of the following combinations is generally recommended for composite fish farming in India?
A) Catla, Cyprinus, Clarias.
B) Catla, Labeo, Cirrhinus.
C) Cirrhinus, Cyprinus, Channa.
D) Clarias, Chanos, Cyprinus.

Answer 1

Hint:Composite fish farming is a technical way of fish farming which focuses on the maximum utilization of niche in the medium, this provides great nourishment to the developing fishes and also this polyculture method should not affect the other species.

Complete answer:
Since maximum utilization of resources available in the niches is the principle of composite fish farming, Option B is the type of combination generally recommended because Catla catla is a surface feeder, they feed the zooplanktons present on the surface of the medium. Labeo rohita (Rohu) is a type of column feeders, which feed on the algal components and other resources present in the medium, Cirrhinus mrigala (mrigal) are the bottom feeders, they feed on the dead and decaying components of plants and other tiny organisms in the medium. Rest of the species of the fishes are also used as a combination of fish farming but they do not follow the principle of Composite fish farming.

Hence the correct answer is option ‘B’.

Note:Stocking of commercial species of fishes in the same pond is called composite fishing or polyculture fishing. This particular combination is best suited not only because of their feeding mode but also due to their lack of aggressiveness towards other species of fishes.