Evaluation of gardi bangana dero and sahar tor putitora with rohu labeo rohita and Naini cirrhinus mrigala in poly culture at different stocking combinations

Abstract

Conventional multispecies poly culture with compatible native species intercrop augments optimum utilization of the ecological niches in the pond ecosystem, diversity conservation, food value, and poverty alleviation potential through the direct involvement of rural people. Given the conservational value and the aquaculture potential of several indigenous species, Gardi Bangana dero and Sahar Tor putitora have been identified as important food fish. Rohu Labeo rohita and Naini Cirrhinus mrigala are two other native fishes that fetch a very high market price and are of high cultural value. A polyculture experiment was carried out on the Rohu, Naini, Gardi, and Sahar with the objectives to evaluate the optimum stocking density in terms of average body weight, specific growth rate, and total fish production of these fishes for nine months. Results showed that the final body weight of Rohu, Naini, Gardi were high in respective major poly culture systems, but Sahar was high in Naini major system. In case of survival, all fish species had high survival rate in Naini major system. Also, net fish yield of Rohu was observed significantly higher in Rohu major pol yculture system than in Naini major and Gardi major poly culture systems but not with control poly culture systems. Whereas, parameters of Naini, Gardi and Sahar observed similar in all poly culture systems. Apparent Feed Conversion Ratio was found higher in Gardi major poly culture system than others. Thus, for getting optimal stocking density, Naini polyculture system with supplementary feed is recommended.