Question

Highest fish production carps in experimental conditions was obtained by employing

• A. Three species
• B. Four species
• C. Two species
• D. Six species

Hint:

Remember the classic six-species combination used in Indian composite fish culture: Catla, Rohu, Mrigal (Indian Major Carps) and Silver Carp, Grass Carp, Common Carp (Exotic Carps).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Composite fish culture (polyculture) is the practice of growing several different compatible fish species together in the same pond.
To maximize fish yields, species are selected that feed in different ecological niches (surface, column, and bottom) and do not compete with one another for food.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In India, research on composite fish culture was pioneered by the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) under the guidance of scientists like Dr. K.H. Alikunhi.
These studies evaluated different species combinations to determine which would produce the highest yields.
The highest carp production under experimental conditions was achieved by using a six-species combination.
This combination includes three Indian Major Carps (IMC) and three exotic carps:
1. Catla (Catla catla): Surface feeder, zooplankton feeder.
2. Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix): Surface feeder, phytoplankton feeder.
3. Rohu (Labeo rohita): Column feeder, omnivorous/column detritus feeder.
4. Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella): Marginal/macro-vegetation feeder.
5. Mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala): Bottom feeder, detritivore.
6. Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio): Bottom feeder, omnivore.
By utilizing all available feeding zones and food resources in the pond, this six-species system minimizes competition and achieves the highest overall fish production per unit area.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The highest experimental carp production was achieved using a six-species composite fish culture system.
Thus, the correct choice is (D).