Small Fish Species Research Articles

Socio-Economic Profile and Vulnerabilities Assessment in Small-Scale Fisheries of Lower Gangetic Flood Plain Wetland: An Initiative Towards Achieving Wetland Ecosystem Sustainability and Community Well-Being

ICAR-CIFRI has been continuously working to develop wetland fisheries in a transdisciplinary knowledge-to-action mode to upscale the livelihood of vulnerable small-scale fishermen communities. The integrated development approach was initiated in different lower Gangetic floodplain wetlands of North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India, to increase the fish production and socio-economic development of small-scale fishermen communities of the wetlands. Duma is one of the most extensive horseshoe-shaped wetlands in Asia. To augment the fish production from this wetland, the pen culture system was adopted by the fishers under the supervision of ICAR-CIFRI in 2021. Within a year, they received 15 tons of commercial fish, valued at around 30 lakhs apart from the small indigenous fish. It has recently been advised that auto-stocked, high-value minor carp in the wetland be adopted to improve income and conserve small indigenous species. In this article, SDG 14 (Life below water) addresses sustainable ecosystem management and livelihood enhancement for the wellbeing of the local people (SDG 3). Nutritional security of the local people is maintained through the small indigenous fish species which is crucial for addressing ‘No hunger’ as per SDG-2. The research also proves that women can play a crucial role in small-scale fisheries and they can economically stand alone, which is the main aim of SDG-5 (gender equality). However, significant issues such as lack of jurisdictional coordination, ecological changes, inequitable distribution of benefits, and income reduction persist in wetland management. The need for urgent reformation of policy and resource management systems is crucial to boost the economic efficiency of the SSF in the wetland. Training for more knowledge on fishing and fish farming, acquiring alternative livelihood and education on financial management should be brought to the fishermen’s communities. These could develop a resilient community that is more equipped to respond to future crises.

Stocking Hatchery-Produced Mola (<i>Amblypharyngodon mola</i>) Seed in Carp Polyculture Ponds: A Performance Assessment in Odisha, India

Small indigenous fish species (SIS) such as mola (Amblypharyngodon mola) regarded as natural ‘superfoods,’ due to their high nutrient content, offer a promising avenue for addressing the nutritional deficiencies in India. Over the past decade, integrating mola into conventional carp polyculture systems has emerged as a promising nutrition-sensitive innovation, significantly enhancing micronutrient intake, particularly for women and children. However, the lack of hatchery-reared mola seed has hindered the sustainability of this approach. Recently, this bottleneck was addressed by developing a hatchery-based mass seed production protocol for mola, which was introduced into carp farming systems on a pilot basis. This study evaluates the performance of hatchery-produced mola seed inhomestead carp polyculture ponds in Odisha, India by using a field survey. Of the surveyed farmers, 24% purchased mola spawn, while 76% opted for mola fry. The average pond size of surveyed farmers was 0.32 ha with an average culture duration of 9months. Farmers stocked mola spawn at an average density of 283,583/ha and fry at 22,190/ha. Results showed that 93% of farmers achieved successful mola production, with an average mola yield of 194 kg/ha and total production of 2831 kg/ha. Molacontributed an average of 9% to the total fish production reaching a maximum contribution of up to 26%. The mola fish contributed significantly to the household in terms of additional revenue. Household consumption averaged 14 kg of mola per year, with a per capita consumption of 3 kg. Increasing pond size and optimizing stocking density emerge as critical factors positively impacting mola production and income. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of hatchery-produced mola seed in promoting nutrition-sensitive aquacul-ture in Odisha, offering valuable insights for its scaling up.

Revealing the temporal dynamics of fish assemblage pattern, feeding guilds in relation to habitat quality parameters in a coastal wetland of the Indian Sundarban eco-region.

The present study was conducted from April 2016 to March 2017 in a freshwater-dominated coastal wetland of the Indian Sundarban ecoregion to illustrate the fish diversity, and abundance and the predictor variables determining fish assemblage structure in the wetland. A total of 27 fish species belonging to 13 orders, 16 families, and 23 genera with Cyprinidae (18.5%) as the most dominant family were recorded from the wetland. Fish species richness was found to vary noticeably across the season with the highest number of taxa during the monsoon season (25 species). The study revealed that small indigenous fish species (SIFs) were found dominating the overall species richness and abundance which accounted for 70.37% of the total fish diversity. Among SIFs, Mystus gulio dominated (33 - 42%) the total fish abundance followed by Amblypharyngodon mola (12 - 21.7%), Oryzias dancena (11 - 14.9%), Parambassis ranga (6 - 32%), Puntius sophore (5 - 10.8%), and Parambassis lala (3 - 5.9%). Thirteen fish species were found as inhabitants of truly freshwater, eight species of freshwater and brackish water, and six of freshwater, brackish, and marine form. The developed GAM model proved water turbidity to be the best predictor variable determining fish abundance and assemblages in the wetlands. Besides, turbidity, salinity, transparency, and temperature were found to influence the fish assemblages. There was no visible response to water depth, although this has a linear effect on fish abundance. Water temperatures up to about 30.5°C had a positive effect on fish abundance and the highest fish abundance in the wetland to be found in the range of 29 to 30.5°C.

Evaluation of nutrient composition of selected small indigenous fish species in Bangladesh and potential contribution to nutrient intakes

Small indigenous fish (SIF) are recognized as easily available, and abundant source of macronutrients and micronutrients in Bangladesh. The current investigation was undertaken to assess the existing heavy metal, mineral, vitamin, and others nutrient content of small indigenous freshwater fish in Bangladesh. Eight indigenous fish (Mola, Tengra, Baim, Punti, Chanda, Guchi, Koi, and Taki) were selected for this study. The AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer), ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry), and the Association of Official Analytical Chemists methods outlined were used to determine the proximate compositional analysis of fish. The highest fat content was found in koi fish. Protein was highest in both baim and taki fish. Iron, zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin B12 content were highest in mola fish. Highest calcium and phosphorus were found in the chanda and taki fish. The study concludes that small indigenous fish are valuable sources of fat, protein, ash, iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin B12, which are important for maintaining good health. Our findings suggest that small indigenous fish could serve as a viable option for addressing the nutritional needs for the children (6–23 m age), and Pregnant and lactating women in Bangladesh as a tool to fight malnutrition.

Estimation of tributary–mainstem migration of freshwater fishes by Sr isotope analysis of otoliths

AbstractThe study of fish movement patterns in freshwater ecosystems remains a major focus of contemporary research. Small freshwater fish are known to migrate between tributaries and mainstems at different stages of their life history, helping to avoid local extinctions and maintain genetic diversity. However, fitting small fish species with telemetry equipment is difficult, making it challenging to track their detailed migration history via conventional methods. We evaluated the suitability of otolith isotope analysis for verifying the migration histories of small fish species inhabiting small tributaries. In this study, we compared the 87Sr/86Sr values in stream water and the otoliths of two fish species (Nipponocypris temminckii and Rhinogobius flumineus) inhabiting small streams. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios in the stream waters within the study area displayed considerable variation among tributaries. Our findings indicate that only N. temminckii has high dispersal ability, showing movement between tributaries or between tributaries and the mainstem in some locations. In contrast, such movement was not generally observed for R. flumineus. These results show the potential of 87Sr/86Sr as a tool for estimating the migration patterns of small fishes that inhabit small tributaries.

Assessing the thermal limits and metabolic profiles of small indigenous fish species: Informing conservation and aquaculture in a changing climate

This study explored the thermal tolerance and routine metabolic rate of ten small indigenous fish species from Northeast India: Amblypharyngodon mola, Esomus danrica, Puntius sophore, Gudusia chapra, Heteropneustes fossilis, Botia dario, Lepidocephalichthys guntea, Mystus cavasius, Aplocheilus panchax, and Glossogobius giuris. Fish were acclimated to 20°C, 25°C, and 30°C for two weeks prior to experiments and assessed for critical thermal maxima (CTmax), critical thermal minima (CTmin), lethal thermal maxima (LTmax), oxygen consumption rates, and respiratory quotients using standardized methods. The results revealed significant interspecific variations: CTmax ranged from 36.4°C to 41.7°C, CTmin from 8.7°C to 15.2°C, and LTmax from 41.5°C to 44.9°C. Oxygen consumption rates varied between 0.26 and 1.07 mg O₂/g/h, with respiratory quotients ranging from 0.76 to 1.01. Heteropneustes fossilis (CTmax: 41.7°C at 30°C acclimation) exhibited the highest thermal tolerance, while Amblypharyngodon mola had the lowest (CTmax: 38.2°C at 30°C acclimation). Differences in thermal tolerance between species were statistically significant (p<0.05). Notably, CTmax was positively correlated with oxygen consumption rates, suggesting a connection between metabolic rate and heat tolerance. These findings enhance our understanding of the physiological adaptations of these species to their thermal environments and underscore their conservation needs amidst climate change.

Microplastic characterization in small freshwater fishes collected in Gyeongan-cheon, a tributary stream of Han River in South Korea: Ingestion and depuration study of Nylon

Plastic inventions have had an impact on various industries, and people easily approach to plastic products, degrading into microplastic (MP). In this study, distribution of MP was evaluated in freshwater fishes collected in a tributary stream of the Han River, Gyeongan-cheon. Totally 38 fishes, mostly Zacco platypus, were used to analyze, and they were collected in two different seasons as the normal and rainy seasons. Fishes contained 34–284 particles/individual. The prevalent size of MP in fishes ranged from 45 to 100 μm, followed by 100–300 and 20–45 μm. Shapes of MP in fishes were mostly fragments, and types of MP were polypropylene (PP) > polyethylene (PE) > polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). By 4-day ingestion of Nylon at 100 μg/L (equivalent to 55,000 particles/L, about 20–40 μm) in Zacco koreanus, the treated fish showed MP concentration with an average number of 53 Nylons. Mean retention time value was considered as 13.4 days by the uptake-depuration test using Z. platypus at 500 μg/L Nylon. Taken together, MP concentration found in smaller freshwater fish was dependent on living habitat and MP size. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring of MPs in freshwater ecosystems and the need to understand MP ingestion and excretion patterns in small freshwater fish species.

Diet of Three Cryptobenthic Clingfish Species and the Factors Influencing It

Cryptobenthic fish are small benthic fish species that normally live in various hiding places. Due to their large numbers, they are very important for energy transfer to higher trophic levels. However, due to their small size and hidden lifestyle, knowledge about them and their ecology, including their diet, is still limited. Using a non-destructive method based on faecal pellets, we investigated the diet of three clingfish species, Lepadogaster lepadogaster, L. candolii, and Apletodon incognitus, in the shallow northern Adriatic Sea. To better understand the results, we studied the fauna of potential prey in the habitats of the fish studied and also took fish specimens to observe their behaviour in the laboratory. The three species feed predominantly on crustaceans, particularly amphipods, copepods, and decapods. The proportion of the different taxa in the diet depends on the species of clingfish, the size of the specimens, and the size of the prey. In addition, the behaviour of the fish, the home range of the specimens, and the availability of food played an important role. The presence of certain crustacean groups in the environment also determines the occurrence of clingfish of different species and sizes.

Evaluating rational and healthy use options for small pelagic fish species in sub-Saharan Africa

Evaluating rational and healthy use options for small pelagic fish species in sub-Saharan Africa

Sardines in hot water: Unravelling plastic fibre ingestion and feeding behaviour effects

Small pelagics are small fish species often schooling that mainly feed on planktonic organisms and are foraging species of larger animals. These species have experienced important declines in their wild populations during the last decades. For instance, the decrease of the European sardine (Sardina pilchardus) body condition has had a detrimental impact on its landings, leaving their commercial fishing unprofitable in some Mediterranean areas. The causes for this decline are not clearly established but seems to be mainly related to changes with planktonic communities inducing a switch in their foraging behaviour from particulate-feeding to filter-feeding. Moreover, it has been highlighted that sardines ingest plastic fibres throughout their natural spatial distribution, suggesting this additional pollution as a possible new threat affecting their populations’ health. In this study we developped an experimental setup allowing us to maintain wild fish in captive controlled conditions in order to test the possible factors affecting plastic fibres ingestion in sardines. We demonstrate that sardines ingest fibres from water, and the amount of fibres ingested is highly impacted by their feeding behaviour. Sardines feeding by filtration ingest less food but more plastic fibres (mean = 4.95 fibres/ind; SD = 3.43), compared to sardines that feed by particulate-feeding (mean = 0.6 fibres/ind; SD = 1.04). Moreover, a decrease in sardine body condition factor was detected for filter-feeding individuals, mostly linked to the lower amount of food they ingested rather than to the fibre ingestion itself. Nonetheless, higher water temperature seems to accelerate the pattern of fibre expulsion in filter-feeding sardines. Alltogether, it is suggested that plastic fibres pollution and phytoplanctonic changes under global change, might synergistically act at disturbing the health of this species in wild populations.

Nutrition of the Baikal seal and its role in the trophic structure of the Baikal ecosystem

The purpose of the work was to give as complete an overview as possible of the currently available publications related to the nutrition of the Baikal seal (Pusa sibirica).More than 50 sources devoted to the stated topic served as materials for writing the review.The results of the analysis of published sources showed that the Baikal seal feeds mainly on 4–6 species of small pelagic fish throughout the year, and the main food is two species of golomyankas of the Comephoridae family. The hypothesis according to which the well-being of the species is largely determined by the use of the pelagic crustacean Macrochectopus branickii for food does not stand up to criticism and is unlikely to reflect the real picture. The distribution of the Baikal omul is such that it does not exclude, but does not in any way contribute to the fact that the seal consumes it in significant quantities. However, the consumption of salmonids as food has become more frequent in recent years (the reasons for this cannot be established), but even now these fish constitute &lt;3% of the biomass of fish consumed by the entire population of the Baikal seal per year. All adaptive morphophysiological, anatomical and behavioral features of the species clearly indicate that the seal has developed a food strategy aimed at the effective production and utilization of the above-mentioned fish species.Conclusion: the basis of the diet of the Baikal seal is made up of small non-commercial pelagic fish species, therefore, even with a large population, seals cannot be the reason for the reduction in commercial omul stocks.The practical significance of the work lies in the fact that its conclusions must be taken into account when developing rules and strategies for exploiting the Baikal seal population.

Geographic genetic variation in the Coral Hawkfish, Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus (Cirrhitidae), in relation to biogeographic barriers across the Tropical Indo-Pacific

The Tropical Indo-Pacific (TIP) includes about two thirds of the world’s tropical oceans and harbors an enormous number of marine species. The distributions of those species within the region is affected by habitat discontinuities and oceanographic features. As well as many smaller ones, the TIP contains seven large recognized biogeographic barriers that separate the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, the Indian from the Pacific Ocean, the central and eastern Pacific, the Hawaiian archipelago, the Marquesas and Easter Islands. We examined the genetic structuring of populations of Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus, a small cryptic species of reef fish, across its geographic range, which spans the longitudinal limits of the TIP. We assessed geographic variation in the mitochondrial cytb gene and the nuclear RAG1 gene, using 166 samples collected in 46 localities from the western to eastern edges of the TIP. Sequences from cytb show three well-structured groups that are separated by large genetic distances (1.58–2.96%): two in the Tropical Eastern Pacific (TEP), one at Clipperton Atoll another occupying the rest of that region and the third that ranges across the remainder of the TIP, from the central Pacific to the Red Sea and South Africa. These results indicate that the ~4,000 km wide Eastern Pacific Barrier between the central and eastern Pacific is an efficient barrier separating the two main groups. Further, the ~950 km of open ocean that isolates Clipperton Atoll from the rest of the TEP is also an effective barrier. Contrary to many other cases, various major and minor barriers from the Central Indo-Pacific to the Red Sea are not effective against dispersal by C. oxycephalus, although this species has not colonized the Hawiian islands and Easter Island. The nuclear gene partially supports the genetic structure evident in cytb, although all haplotypes are geographically mixed.

Nutrient Status of Some Food Fishes with Respect to Their Proximate Composition: A Review

The nutritional awareness is a vital issue in most of the developing countries. Consumption of imbalance nutrients is globally responsible for the malnutrition, a curse for the people who belongs to below poverty line. Fish is a vital source of protein and many other essential nutrients for the human health. More than one billion of people around the world include fish food in their regular diet. Many of the developing countries like India are resided by poor villagers who gladly consume the small fish species which are of low cost and easily available in the water lands. The nutrient status the small food fishes are of greater interest to the researchers in the field of biochemistry in terms of their socio-economic impact and sustainable human food chain. Advanced researches on the biochemical constituents of different fishes are signified and essential to the human health as well as medicinal practitioners to formulate newer medicines for the prevention of many life risk diseases of the community. This review article is an attempt to review the current scientific literatures on the nutrient status with respect to their proximate composition of different fish species across the globe. The significance of such study on Food-to-food fortification (FtFF) on the basis of proximate composition of fish along with challenges and future perspectives are also highlighted.

Genome-wide identification of 769 G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) genes from the marine medaka Oryzias melastigma

The marine medaka Oryzias melastigma is a useful fish model for marine and estuarine ecotoxicology studies and can be applied to field-based population genomics because of its distribution in Asian estuaries and other coastal areas. We identified 769 full-length G protein–coupled receptor genes in the O. melastigma genome and classified them into five distinct classes. A phylogenetic comparison of GPCR genes in O. melastigma to humans and two other small fish species revealed a high-level orthological relationship. Purinergic and chemokine receptors were highly differentiated in humans whereas significant differentiation of chemosensory receptors was evident in fish species. Our results suggest that the GPCR gene families among the species used in this study exhibit evidence of sporadic evolutionary processes. These results may help improve our understanding of the advanced repertoires of GPCR and expand our knowledge of physiological mechanisms of fish in response to various environmental stimuli.

Critical swimming speed at different temperatures for small-bodied freshwater native riverine fish species

This study evaluated the effect of fish total length (LT) and three water temperatures (10, 15 and 20 °C) on the critical swimming speed (Ucrit) of the species Percilia irwini (2.9–6.3 cm LT), Cheirodon galusdae (3.4–5.5 cm LT), and Trichomycterus areolatus (4.0–6.3 cm LT). An Ucrit estimation model was constructed for each species as a function of temperature and size. The results showed mean Ucrit for P. irwini of 44.56, 53.83 and 63.2 cm s−1 at 10, 15 and 20 °C, respectively: 55.34, 61.74 and 70.05 cm s−1 for C. galusdae and 56.18, 63.01 and 71.09 cm s−1 for T. areolatus. Critical velocity depended on the interaction between species, body length and water. The swimming performance increased significantly with rising temperature in all three species. The velocity also increased with greater fish total length. After controlling for fish total length, velocity also increased with higher temperature in the three species. This research is relevant to small fish species that require conservation measures.

Stable isotope analysis reveals fish juveniles as a temporal main resource consumed by invasive pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus)

AbstractThe pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus (Linnaeus, 1758) is a small centrarchid fish species from North America that has invaded most European basins, with pronounced expected impacts. Analyses of pumpkinseed diet in its invasive range using gut content analysis (GCA) show macrozoobenthos as the most common dietary item, suggesting a competitive effect on native fish communities. Our study uses a combination of GCA and stable isotope analysis (SIA) to document pumpkinseed diet at two sites in its invaded range and relates pumpkinseed diet preferences with parasitic load. SIA revealed juvenile fish as a major prey item at one of the sites (63 and 50% of the diet of small and the large fish), while GCA showed pumpkinseed preying mostly on macroinvertebrates (chironomids, gastropods, Ephemeroptera, and Zygoptera larvae) at both sites. While infrequent infection by trophically transmitted parasitic nematodes could be related to low consumption of zooplankton, substantial infection by metacercariae of Posthodiplostomum centrarchi Hoffman1958 appears to reflect relatively high consumption rates of its intermediate host, physid snails. Using SIA allowed to demonstrate that pumpkinseed feeding in its non-native range can be based on piscivory, emphasising the need for combining multiple methods when studying the impact of non-native species on food webs.

Analysis of Morphometric Characteristics of Indian Mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta Cuvier, 1816) Landed at the Fish Landing Base Tanjung Luar, East Lombok

Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) is a small pelagic fish species that has economic value to the community. Overfishing without management causes population decline and negative impacts on fish stocks. This study aims to analyze the morphometric characteristics of indian mackerel at Tanjung Luar Fish Landing Base (PPI), East Lombok. Data from 72 fish were collected from January to April 2024 using observation method and quantitative statistical analysis. The results of descriptive analysis showed that indian mackerel landed in Tanjung Luar PPI had average morphometric characteristics such as total length (22.07cm), standard length (18.75cm), fork length (20,35cm), head length (5.23cm), head height (4.47cm), body height (5.7cm), eye diameter (1.32cm), first dorsal fin base length (3.27cm), second dorsal fin base length (2.89cm), pectoral fin base length (2.60cm), ventral fin base length (2.35cm), anal fin base length (2.61cm), tail shaft length (4.14cm), tail shaft height (0.96cm), lower tail fin length (4.28 cm), and upper tail fin length (4.24cm). Fish growth showed an isometric growth pattern, with body parts growing proportionally. The dominant fish sizes caught were in the juvenile category at 18.2-20.6 cm (44%) and adults at 25.7-28.1 cm (28%). However, the large number of juvenile fish caught indicates the potential for overfishing, requiring effective management such as setting minimum size and fishing time to maintain the sustainability of the fish population.

Assessing metabolic rates in zebrafish using a 3D-printed intermittent-flow respirometer and swim tunnel system.

Zebrafish have become a widely used vertebrate model in physiology and reliable measures of their metabolic rate are needed. We have developed a 3D-printed respirometer and swim tunnel system and used it for obtaining accurate measurement of standard metabolic rate (SMR) and maximal, aerobic metabolic rate (MMR) in zebrafish under rest and maximal exercise, respectively. We compared a slow (stepwise) protocol to a fast (continuous) protocol for determining MMR. The fast protocol yielded slightly (but not significantly) higher oxygen consumption rates than the slow protocol and the data, in contrast to the slow protocol, followed a normal distribution. These findings point to the fast protocol as a fast and reliable method for obtaining accurate values of MMR in zebrafish. We make the 3D drawings for printing the system available to researchers, to help streamline the field of metabolic research in zebrafish and other smaller fish species.

Global and local behaviour of brown trout (Salmo trutta, L.) and chub (Squalius cephalus, L.) inside a laboratory vertical slot fishway model

Fish passes are commonly installed to partially reinstate river connectivity for fish species. They are designed according to the hydrological context and the biological features of the target species. Vertical slot fishways (VSF) still need a design optimization for small fish species, potentially relying on a better knowledge of fish behaviour inside the pools. This work studied the behaviour of two common fish species in France rivers: brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) and chub (Squalius cephalus L.) while passing through a VSF model. Fish movements were recorded by video tracking and analyzed following two steps: (i) global fish passages and (ii) fish behaviour inside one pool (trajectories, use of resting zones, movement patterns, position, and orientation before a successful upstream move). The mean total efficiencies (i.e. number of individuals that managed to pass and stay upstream over the total number of individuals studied) were 23.6 and 35.7% for trout and chub, respectively. Two behaviours were observed: direct passages in the upstream pool and passages with stops in one or more “resting” zones. Direct passages induced short transit times (several seconds) while a resting behaviour induced longer times (up to several minutes). A preferential resting zone, where flow conditions were the least constraining, was highlighted. Finally, the distance of fish from the slot was identified as a key parameter to ensure a successful passage. These results highlight the importance of the presence of resting zones and their hydraulic conditions for small fish passage success in VSF.

Inclusion of near‐threatened micronutrient‐rich small indigenous species (SIS) dhela (Osteobrama cotio) in pond aquaculture

AbstractDue to their high content of micronutrients, small indigenous species (SISs) of fish play a vital role in the diets of people. Dhela (Osteobrama cotio) is one of the most important micronutrient‐rich SISs and was once abundant but is currently disappearing from inland waters. This study investigated the culture suitability of dhela with carp species in polycultures in a pond aquaculture system. The stocking density of the carp species was the same in all the treatments, with Labeo catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus cirrhosus at 10,800/ha. Dhela were cultivated at a density of 10,000/ha in treatment 2 (Dhela‐10K) and 15,000/ha in treatment 3 (Dhela‐15K), and no dhela were cultivated in treatment 1 (Dhela‐0). After 7 months of culture, there were no significant differences in total production among the treatments, with yields of 3393.27 ± 120.70, 3534.52 ± 57.03 and 3687.34 ± 244.41 kg/ha in Dhela‐0, Dhela‐10K and Dhela‐15K, respectively. Notably, a significantly greater (p &lt; 0.05) net profit and benefit‒cost ratio were found in Dhela‐10K and Dhela‐15K than in Dhela‐0, but no significant difference was found between Dhela‐10K and Dhela‐15K. The inclusion of dhela in pond polycultures with carp species demonstrates the potential benefits of diversifying aquaculture systems. Farmers could consider incorporating SISs into their existing aquaculture practices to increase overall production and improve economic returns.