(a) What is composite fish culture ? What criteria do you take in the selection of fishes in this culture ? Also give its advantage.
(b) List atleast three species of Indian major carps and exotic carps which are generally cultured in composite fish culture.

Explanation

(a) Now a days, a combination of 3 or more species of fish (maximum 5 or 6 species) are cultured in a single pond. Such a culture is called composite fish culture.
Criteria used for selection of fishes
(i) The selected species should be fast growing.
(ii) They should not compete with each other for space and nutrition.
(iii) They live in distinct zones inside the pond. (iv) Their feeding habits are distinct.
Advantages
(i) Fish yield is enhanced with the same cost
(ii) This technique utilises most of the available food in the water pond/reservoir.
(b) Selected species for composite fish culture.
Inidan Major Carps- Rohu, Catla and Mrigal
Exotic Carps- Silver carp, Grass carp and Common carp.