Introduction
Fish is the cheapest and most easily digestible animal protein and was obtained from natural sources
from time immemorial for consumption by human beings. However, due to over exploitation and
pollution, the availability of fish in natural waters have declined considerably forcing scientists to adopt
various methods to increase its production. Fish farming in controlled or under artificial conditions has
become the easier way of increasing the fish production and its availability for consumption. Farmers
can easily take up fish culture in village ponds, tanks or any new water body and can improve their
financial position substantially. It also creates gainful employment for skilled and unskilled youths. The
technology developed for fish culture in which more than one type of compatible fishes are cultured
simultaneous is the most advanced and popular in the country. This technology is known as Composite
Fish Culture. This technology enables to get maximum fish production from a pond or a tank through
utilization of available fish food organisms in all the natural niches, supplemented by artificial feeding.
Any perennial fresh water pond/tank retaining water depth of 2 metres can be used for fish culture
purpose. However, the minimum level should not fall below one metre.Even seasonal ponds can also
be utilised for short duration fish culture.
