Question

Which medium carp is used as Column feeder

• A. Labeo calbasu
• B. Labeo gonius
• C. Puntius sarana
• D. Labeo fimbriatus

Hint:

Puntius sarana is a valuable medium carp for polyculture.
It complements Rohu (which is also a column feeder) by utilizing slightly different size spectrums of column food.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In polyculture or composite fish culture, medium carps are often stocked alongside major carps to maximize feed utilization across different ecological niches.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us examine the feeding habits of the carps listed:
1. Labeo calbasu (Calbasu) is predominantly a bottom feeder (detritivore/benthivore).
2. Labeo gonius (Kuria labeo) is a bottom-to-column feeder that feeds on organic detritus and algae.
3. Labeo fimbriatus (Fringed-lipped carp) is primarily a bottom feeder feeding on detritus and algae.
4. Puntius sarana (Olive barb) is a medium carp species that feeds mainly in the column region of the water body.
It has an omnivorous diet and effectively utilizes column-level food resources, making it an excellent medium carp candidate for the column feeder niche.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The medium carp used as a column feeder is Puntius sarana.