Ecological intensification for feeding rohuLabeo rohita(Hamilton, 1822): A review and proposed steps towards an efficient resource fishery

Abstract

Labeo rohita (rohu) is a commercially popular Indian major carp species in polyculture fish farming system. It feeds mainly on plankton. The adults of rohu have a strong positive selection for phytoplankton, whereas the fingerlings have a strong positive selection for both zooplanktonic and smaller phytoplanktonic sources. Conversely, adults of rohu exhibit a strong negative selection for all zooplanktonic sources and a positive selection for most phytoplanktonic sources. In periphytic environments, the fish grow better feeding on the sub-periphytic zone in proximity to the substrate. We conclude that rohu is an excellent aquaculture candidate, thanks to its ability to explore natural resources (plankton and periphyton) and transform them to fish biomass in polyculture practice. In contrast to over-reliance on artificial feed, translation of natural resources for exploration by rohu could be the next step for sustainable carp-based polyculture practice.