Fish culture, also known as aquaculture, refers to the practice of
raising fish and other aquatic organisms in controlled environments
such as ponds, tanks, or ocean enclosures for commercial,
recreational, or conservation purpose.
2. Topic: Basic Principles Of Fish Culture
Department Of Zoology
Presented by: Mishaal Naseer
Roll no: UOC-BSZOL-F2020/002
BS Zoology
Session: 2020-2024
Subject: Ichthyology
Instructor: Dr. Syeda Nadia Ahmad
3. FISH CULTURE
❑ Fish culture, also known as aquaculture, refers to the practice of
raising fish and other aquatic organisms in controlled environments
such as ponds, tanks, or ocean enclosures for commercial,
recreational, or conservation purpose.
❑ Fish culture provides a sustainable source of food, jobs, and
environmental benefits (Jobling, 2010).
4. Evolution of Fish Culture
❑ Early Practices (Ancient China & Egypt): Fish farming likely
began as early as 3,500 BC in China and Egypt. These early
practices focused on keeping fish in ponds for food and ornamental
purposes.
❑ Monasteries and Feudalism (Europe): Monks used ponds to
cultivate fish for food, particularly during religious fasting periods.
Feudalism also led to the development of fishponds to stock private
estates.
❑ Rise of Modern Aquaculture (19th & 20th Centuries): Scientific
shift towards selective breeding, improved hatchery techniques, and
the development of artificial feeds (Jobling, 2010).
5. Types of Fish Culture
1. Monoculture
• Only one fish specie is reared in a culture system.
• Trout, Tilapia, Catfishes
1. Polyculture
• Two or more different species are farmed.
• Polyculture gives higher yield than monoculture.
• Silver carp, Grass carp, Big head carp (Mohsin et al., 2017).
6. Common Culture Techniques
1.Pond Culture
▪ Pond culture is a technique for raising fish in constructed or natural
ponds.
▪ Ponds are cleaned of debris and disinfected to remove harmful
organisms and water quality is managed.
2. Cage Culture
▪ Cages are constructed with strong mesh netting supported by a floating
frame, typically made of wood, plastic, or metal.
▪ The cages are securely anchored to the bottom of the water body using
ropes, weights, and buoys to prevent drifting.
8. 3. Hatchery Production
• Controlled environments for
breeding and raising fish from
eggs to fingerlings for stocking
ponds or cages.
4. Integrated Fish Farming
• Combines fish culture with
aquaculture like crop production
or livestock raising for efficient
use and reduced waste (Mohsin
et al., 2017).
Figure 3: Hatchery
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e_l8rbY9mZA
https://th.bing.com/th/id/R.4c0698a8be85323496d45
Figure 4: Integrated
Fishfarming
10. 1. Water Quality Management
▪ It involves maintaining optimal conditions within aquatic environment
to support the health, growth, and overall well-being of cultured fish
species
Turbidity
and
clarity
Ammonia
and nitrate
levels
pH level
Dissolved
oxygen
Temperature
PARA-
METERS
12. 2. Species Selection
➢Choosing the right fish species to culture
is critical for the success of a fish
farming operation.
➢Factors to consider include the species'
growth rate, feed conversion efficiency,
disease resistance, and market demand.
➢Selecting species that are well-suited to
the local climate, water conditions, and
available resources can significantly
improve the farm's productivity and
profitability (Kausar, 2017).
13. 3. Feeding and Nutrition
▪ Providing a balanced and nutritious diet is
essential for the health, growth, and
reproduction of cultured fish.
▪ Fish farmers must carefully formulate and
administer feed to meet the specific nutritional
requirements of each species, taking into
account factors such as life stage, activity
level, and environmental conditions.
▪ The use of high-quality, sustainable feed
ingredients, including both plant-based and
animal-based sources, can optimize feed
conversion ratios and minimize waste (Galtin,
2010).
14. 4. Stocking Density And Management
Stocking Density
• Determining the appropriate
stocking density for each
species is critical to ensure
the health and well-being of
the fish.
• Overcrowding can lead to
increased stress, disease, and
mortality, while
underpopulation may result in
inefficient resource
utilization.
Space Management
• Efficient utilization of
available space, whether in
ponds, tanks, or cages, is key
to maximizing production.
• Arranging fish populations
based on size, age, or species
can optimize space usage and
facilitate effective
management practices
(Kausar, 2017).
15. 5. Disease prevention and management
Biosecurity
measures
Environmental
optimization
Proactive
Treatment
Strategies
Monitoring and
early detection
16. 6. Environmental Sustainability
• Waste Management
Implementing effective waste management strategies, such as water treatment,
sludge disposal, and nutrient recycling, can minimize the environmental impact
of fish farming operations.
• Ecosystem Integration
Integrating aquaculture systems with other agricultural or natural ecosystems,
such as through polyculture or integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, can enhance
resource efficiency and reduce ecological footprint.
• Renewable Energy
Utilizing renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, can reduce the
carbon footprint and energy consumption of fish farming operations,
contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly
industry(Mohsin et al., 2017).
17. 7. Socio-Economic Factors
oLand ownership and regulations: Ensure you have the legal
right to use the land for aquaculture. Research and comply with
local regulations regarding aquaculture practices.
oMarket proximity: Being close to your target market reduces
transportation costs and ensures fresher fish for consumers.
oAvailability of labor and resources: Consider the availability
of skilled labor for fish farm management and access to
essential supplies like feed, fingerlings (young fish), and
equipment (Kausra, 2017).
18. 8. Site Characteristics
✓Topography and soil type: A relatively flat site with good
drainage is ideal. Clayey or loam soils are preferable for holding
water effectively. Avoid excessively sandy or rocky areas.
✓Flood risk: The area should be above floodplains to prevent
damage to your ponds or tanks during periods of heavy rain.
✓Accessibility: The site should be easily accessible by road for
transporting fish, feed, equipment, and supplies (Jobling, 2010).
19. Fish Culture in Pakistan
• In Pakistan, fish culture is dominated by monoculture of
freshwater fish species, particularly carp. Here's a breakdown
of the situation:
• Main focus: Freshwater carp farming, especially in Punjab,
Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.
• Species: Common carp, grass carp, silver carp, and other carp
species are the mainstays, alongside some introduced varieties.
• Methods: Earthen ponds are the most common method for fish
farming.
• Scale: The scale of operation is generally small to medium-
sized farms, with an average size of 6-9 hectares (Mohsin et al.,
2017).
20. References
Gatlin, D. I. (2010). Principles of fish nutrition.
Jobling, M. (2010). Fish culture: the rearing environment. Finfish
aquaculture diversification, 33-60.
Kausar, R. (2017). Best management practices in aquaculture in
pakistan. Best Management Practices in Aquaculture, 69
Mohsin, M., Mu, Y., Mehak, A., Memon, A. M., Noman, M., &
Nazir, K. (2017). Aquaculture in Pakistan: Status, opportunities and
challenges
