Composite fish culture is a sustainable and efficient aquaculture practice that involves the simultaneous cultivation of multiple compatible fish species in the same pond. One of the significant advantages of composite fish culture is enhanced productivity through the utilization of different ecological niches within the pond. By introducing species that occupy different parts of the water column and have diverse feeding habits, the available resources are utilized more effectively. This results in higher overall fish production compared to monoculture, where a single fish species is cultivated in the same pond.
Another advantage of composite fish culture is risk reduction. In monoculture systems, if one species faces disease outbreaks or adverse environmental conditions, the entire stock is at risk. In composite fish culture, the presence of multiple species creates a more resilient and balanced ecosystem. If one species faces challenges, the others may still thrive, providing a certain level of insurance against losses. Additionally, the combination of species with different food preferences can help maintain water quality by minimizing nutrient buildup and controlling the proliferation of unwanted organisms, contributing to a more stable and sustainable aquaculture system.