Effect of biofilm on water quality and growth of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Etroplus suratensis</Emphasis> (Bloch, 1790)

An experiment was conducted to compare the efficiency of biofilm production in natural and artificial substrates and to study their effect on water quality and growth of Etroplus suratensis. Four different substrates were used for biofilm formation: paddy straw (T1), sugarcane bagasse (T2), polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipe (T3) and plastic sheet (T4). The experiment was carried out in mud-bottomed fibre-reinforced plastic tanks (300 L) in triplicates. About 3000 cm² surface area (600 g) of each substrate was suspended in water supplemented with fertilizers. Only cow dung and urea were applied in control tanks. The tanks were stocked with 25 fishes with average weight of 9.1 ± 0.22 g. The overall mean value of heterotrophic bacteria in substrate was found higher in straw followed by bagasse, plastic and PVC. The dominant genera of bacteria in the substrate were Bacillus, Pseudomonas and Micrococcus in that order of preponderance. The mean phytoplankton and zooplankton density on the substrates were higher in bagasse followed by straw, plastic and PVC. The biofilm developed on the substrate significantly reduced the ammonia nitrogen and nitrite-nitrogen content of water. The growth of fishes was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in substrate-based treatments than that in the control with better results in bagasse followed by straw, plastic and PVC. The conclusions of the present study are that biofilm produced on natural substrates, especially on bagasse, enhanced growth of E. suratensis and reduced the necessity of water exchange during the culture, which certainly decreases the cost of Etroplus production.     

Use of artificial substrates to enhance production of freshwater herbivorous fish in pond culture

Two trials were conducted in mud‐bottomed concrete tanks to assess the potential of using artificial substrates to enhance fish production in ponds. Three substrate types were tested: bamboo poles, PVC pipes and sugarcane bagasse bundles. In one trial, periphyton was grown on the substrates in the absence of fish. In the second trial, masheer (Tor khudree Sykes) fingerlings were stocked at three densities. Results showed a significant effect of substrate type on fish growth (P≤ 0.001) and on net fish production (P≤ 0.05), with best growth in the tanks using the bamboo substrate. In the bagasse treatment, 100% fish mortality occurred. Highest extrapolated periphyton‐based gross fish yield (i.e. without feed inputs) was 450 kg ha^?1 90 d^?1 with PVC and 491 kg ha^?1 90 d^?1 with bamboo substrate. The best periphyton growth occurred on bamboo, followed by bagasse and PVC. Without fish, mean periphyton biomass during the culture period was 0.56–1.20 mg cm^?2 on bamboo [ash‐free dry matter (DM)], against 0.09–0.36 mg cm^?2 on PVC and 0.20–0.59 mg cm^–2 on bagasse. No clear effect of fish density or water depth on periphyton biomass could be seen. Only on bamboo, fish density seemed to have a negative effect on periphyton ash‐free dry matter and a positive effect on pigment content (chlorophyll‐a and phaeophytin). Periphyton from bamboo had a lower ash content (38–47% of DM) than from PVC (54–55% of DM) or bagasse (51–58% of DM). It is concluded that substrate type has a strong effect on periphyton productivity and composition, and on fish productivity. Good fish production was achieved without feed inputs. More research is needed to study the economic viability of periphyton‐based systems in the context of Indian aquaculture.     

The Effect of Continual,Nocturnal, or No Aeration on Water Chemistry and Plankton Standing Crops in Highly-Fertilized Sunshine Bass,Morone chrysops × M. saxatilis,Fingerling Production Ponds Without Fish

ABSTRACT

Production of fingerlings from very small fry depends upon an initial high concentration of rotifers followed by high densities of crustacean zooplankton. High fertilization rates lead to increased zooplankton production but often cause poor water quality conditions that aeration may alleviate. This study was designed to determine the effects of constant, nocturnal, and no aeration on water quality, primary productivity, and standing crops of phytoplankton and zooplankton in heavily fertilized nursery-size ponds that contained no fish.

Four 0.04-ha ponds were aerated continually; four ponds were aerated only at night with a 372-W (1/2 hp) paddlewheel aerator; and four ponds were not aerated. For 21 days after they were filled on July 21, 1999, the ponds received 1,224 kg/ha rice bran and 581kg/ha liquid 9-27-0 fertilizer. Water quality variables, primary production, chlorophyll-a and zooplankton were sampled daily.

Constant aeration resulted in several conditions more conducive to survival of fish fry, such as higher zooplankton densities, more moderate temperatures, and safer dissolved oxygen levels than did nocturnal aeration or no aeration. However, the development of a higher standing crop of phytoplankton and higher total ammonia concentrations in the turbulent, constantly aerated ponds resulted in higher un-ionized ammonia levels that were not favorable to survival and growth of fry. The high concentrations of zooplankton that developed in the aerated ponds have good potential for cropping to inoculate other ponds or to provide live foods for tank culture of zooplanktivorous fish.     

Food Selection by Larval Paddlefish Polyodon spathula Supplied with Rice Bran to Promote Production of Live Foods, with Prepared Diets, or with their Combination in Earthen Ponds

Food selection of larval paddlefish Polyodon spathula was evaluated by gut analysis in nine 0.02-ha ponds either fertilized with rice bran (RB) to promote zooplankton production, supplied with prepared diets (PD), or with a combination of rice bran and prepared diet (CB). After 40 d, mean fish yields in RB and CB ponds were significantly higher ( P < 0.05) than fish yield in PD ponds, but there was no significant difference ( P > 0.05) in survival among treatments. Cladocerans were the main Live food items selected by paddlefish in RB and CB ponds. Chironomid larvae were the main food items selected by paddlefish in PD ponds. Less than 10% of the food found in paddlefish guts was prepared diets in PD and CB ponds. Prepared diets apparently were not as available to the fish or were not as preferred by the fish as Live foods. Levels of un-ionized ammonia were significantly greater in CB and PD ponds than that in RB ponds. Decomposition of uneaten high-protein diets in PD and CB ponds probably led to production of ammonia. Elevated un-ionized ammonia levels during week 5 caused abnormal swimming behavior and some paddlefish mortalities in PD and CB ponds. Based upon these results, use of RB or other organic fertilizers to promote zooplankton production is recommended over direct feeding or a combination of fertilization and feeding for larval paddlefish in earthen ponds.     

Effects of Timing of Common Carp Larvae Stocking on Zooplankton Succession in Earthen Nursery Ponds: A Microcosm Simulation

Large‐scale commercial nurseries face problems in obtaining enough zooplankton of adequate species composition and size when fish larvae start to feed. To address these problems a simulation of the effects of timing of fish larvae stocking after pond filling on zooplankton composition was carried out. The experimental system consisted of twelve 130‐L containers, in which zooplankton populations were exclusively autochthonous (hatched from resting eggs in the sediments, not entering with the filling water). Treatments consisted of stocking 2‐d‐old common carp larvae on the fourth and sixth days after water filling and a control without fish. The effects of timing of stocking on fish larvae growth and on zooplankton composition were explored using factor analysis. This enabled the identification of several groups of zooplankters that respond in different ways to predation by fish larvae. FACTOR1 was a general measurement of small rotifer abundance. It showed earlier increase in response to the exposure to fish predation, and toward the end of the experiment indicated that fish also preyed on them. FACTOR2 identified the direct effects of size‐selective fish predation on zooplankton that differed according to timing of fish larvae stocking. FACTOR3 identified benthic rotifers, whose density in the plankton increased as a result of fish disturbance of the bottom sediment and decreased as a result of fish predation, also according to timing of fish larvae stocking. In the studied system no rotifers were present in the filling water and the zooplankton peak of autochthonous populations took a while to develop. Under this zooplankton succession pattern, stocking fish larvae before the rotifer concentration started to increase (Day 4) greatly affected their own food resources. The strong predation pressure exerted on the emergent resource retarded the zooplankton increase for 4 d. It also changed the composition toward smaller species and forced fish to feed on less preferred resources, which resulted in reduced fish growth rate. Stocking fish larvae after the rotifer concentration had started to increase (Day 6) allowed the fish to come across increasing amounts of zooplankton of large‐size species, not requiring the exploitation of small benthic rotifers. This resulted in better fish growth rates. Thus, increased larvae production in commercial nurseries can be achieved by matching fish stocking with the increasing phase of the zooplankton peak.     

Effects of Cottonseed and Alfalfa Meals as Fertilizers on Production of Palmetto Bass (Morone saxatilis × M. chrysops) Fingerlings in Plastic-Lined Ponds

Effects of cottonseed meal versus alfalfa meal fertilization on water quality, zooplankton density, and production of phase I palmetto bass, Morone saxatilis × M. chrysops, were compared in plastic-lined ponds. Cottonseed meal promoted better (P < 0.05) water quality, timing of high zooplankton density development, and growth and yield of palmetto bass. Cost of cottonseed meal toward fish production was $0.75/kg of fish, while that of alfalfa meal was $1.74/kg of fish.     

Growth of pike larvae (Esox lucius) under different conditions of food quality and salinity

Abstract –  We measured growth of pike larvae ( Esox lucius ) fed with freshwater and brackish-water zooplankton by monitoring larval wet weight during 18 days. The fish food was analysed for species composition, carbon, nitrogen and fatty acids. Further, we analysed fish larval faecal pellet production. Larval weight was significantly higher in fresh water than in brackish water with natural zooplankton as food. Growth, given as wet weight, showed a significant relationship with zooplankton (>100  μ m) food carbon and highly unsaturated fatty acids, 20:5ω3, 22:6ω3, ω6 fatty acids and the ω3/ω6 fatty acid ratio. Phytoplankton fatty acids (10–50  μ m), such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, 20:5ω3, 22:6ω3 and the ω3 fatty acids also correlated strongly with the wet weight of pike larvae. We demonstrated that several factors impact on pike larval growth.     

Effects of stocking density and natural food availability on the extensive cage culture of pejerrey (Odontesthes bonariensis) in a shallow Pampean lake in Argentina

An experiment was conducted for 80 days at La Salada de Monasterio Lake (Buenos Aires, Argentina) to assess the effect of stocking density and natural food availability on the growth and production of zooplanktivorous juveniles of pejerrey (Odontesthes bonariensis) in extensive cage culture. Ten cages were installed and stocked with 33‐day‐old fish, at three density treatments: 25, 50 and 75 ind. m^?3. Zooplankton was analysed in terms of abundance, biomass and diversity considering three size classes. Caged pejerrey diet was assessed regularly. The pejerrey gut contents composition was clearly different from cage zooplankton, showing a trend to contain bigger components. Reared fish exhibited a tendency to diversification of the diet and to change the mean prey size depending on fish length and stocking density. Regression models showed a positive and direct effect of the bigger zooplankton biomass on fish growth rates, which were also inversely affected by the availability of smaller zooplankton. The results demonstrate that stocking density and available zooplankton, in both quantity and quality, are key factors in regulating extensive cage culture of pejerrey. Handling stocking densities in a dynamic way it is possible to maximize fish growth, biomass harvest or fish number according to the goals of production.     

Autotrophic and heterotrophic production of micro-organisms in intensely-manured fish ponds,and related fish yields

Intensely-manured ponds produce 15–30 kg fish ha^?1 day^?1 with cow or chicken manure and nitrogen- and phosphate-rich fertilizers as the only nutritional inputs. The manure as it is supplied to the ponds is not a good fish food and does not produce good fish growth. Quantitative analysis shows that the production of all organisms, autotrophic and heterotrophic, pelagic and benthic, large enough to be used directly by the fish (i.e., larger than 37 microns) is adequate to account for less than half of the measured fish growth. Production within the microbial community that flourishes on and rapidly digests the manure organic matter is adequate to produce the measured fish growth. The fish appear to harvest the microorganisms at the level of bacteria and protozoa, by ingesting the small straw-like particles which comprise much of the manure and serve as the substrate for the microbial growth.     

Influence of management protocols on carp growth under nursery conditions: relative importance of food and water quality

Twenty outdoor holding tanks (10 m–3 each), were filled with ground water and grouped into five feeding schemes: live zooplankton cultured outside the fish growing tank (LFS); direct nursery pond fertilization schedule in static (MS) as well as in exchanged water (EMS); intermediate conditions between the LFS and MS (IS); and supplementary food system using mixture (1:1) of finely ground mustard oilcake and boiled rice (SFS). Two hundred common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fry were introduced into each of the twenty outdoor tanks maintained at ambient temperature outside the laboratory. After 90 days of rearing, the fish were harvested and analysed for various growth parameters and food conversion efficiency. The average weight of carp attained in the LFS was significantly higher than that in the other four feeding schemes. The frequency distribution of final body weight of common carp showed the preponderance of large and small fish in the LFS and MS, respectively. Likewise, plankton intake by the carp fry was highest in the LFS. The rate of survival was much higher in the LFS as compared with the rest of the treatments. The water quality remained far better in the former than the latter. © Rapid Science Ltd. 1998     

The effects of periphyton substrate and fish stocking density on water quality, phytoplankton, periphyton and fish growth

The objectives of this study were to determine how periphyton and phytoplankton biomass vary with grazing pressure by tilapia Oreochromis niloticus, to evaluate the growth performance of fish when substrate is introduced and to calculate the efficiency of nitrogen utilization in substrate and non‐substrate systems. Ten circular 1000‐L plastic tanks were filled with 15 cm of loamy soil bottom and water. Five different treatments were applied: eight tilapias with substrate (treatment 8T/S), eight tilapias without substrate (treatment 8T), four tilapias with substrate (treatment 4T/S), four tilapias without substrate (treatment 4T) and no tilapia with substrate (treatment 0T/S). Each week, 2 g of NaNO₃ and 3.5 g of single superphosphate (SSP) were applied to each tank. Sixteen glass slides (1 m×4 cm×4 mm) were installed vertically in the tank bottom, one portion extending above the water surface and equally spaced within the water column in all substrate tanks. Periphyton and phytoplankton quantity and quality, water quality, fish growth and proximate fish composition were measured. Because of grazing, phytoplankton and periphyton biomass decreased after the introduction of fish to the tanks. The periphyton biomass was higher in non‐fish tanks (treatment 0T/S) throughout the experiment than that in tanks with fish (treatments 8T/S and 4T/S). The periphyton biomass was similar in the 4T/S and 8T/S treatments, suggesting that the grazing pressure on periphyton biomass reached threshold levels. Fish ate 25–36% of the total standing biomass every day. Tilapia growth was significantly higher in treatments with substrate. Nitrogen retention was double in substrate ponds compared with in control ponds. There were no significant effects of periphyton substrate or fish density on body composition of fish.     

Short- and long-term differences in growth, feed conversion efficiency and deformities in juvenile Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) startfed on rotifers or zooplankton

Growth, feed conversion efficiency and frequencies of skeletal deformities were studied in juvenile Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) that had been startfed on either rotifers (rotifer group) or zooplankton (zooplankton group). After metamorphosis, the fish were reared at four constant temperatures (7, 10, 13, 16°C) or moved successively from 16 to 13 and 10°C (T‐step, average 13.2°C). The zooplankton group had a consistently higher growth rate at all the temperatures studied. Further, the zooplankton group had higher food intake (20%) and higher feed conversion ratio (1.65 vs. 1.31). In addition, a significantly higher incidence of skeletal deformities was found in the rotifer group (14.2%) compared with the zooplankton group (4.1%). After termination of the laboratory study, the fish were reared in sea pens under ambient conditions for 17 months. Final weights of the zooplankton group were consistently larger (between 12% and 14% larger depending on original temperature groups). To verify the growth results, we conducted a follow‐up study where a single egg group was divided into two parts and fed either on rotifers or zooplankton. This study indicated similar growth differences as found in the first study. Overall, our data suggest that different startfeeding diets may be important for long‐term growth, incidence of deformities and quality of juvenile cod. The use of zooplankton can greatly improve long‐term growth and quality of cod juveniles. The study also highlights the advantage of using elevated temperatures in the juvenile phase as this will lead to significantly higher final weights in the adult stage.     

Ontogenetic shifts in prey selection and foraging behaviour of larval and early juvenile alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula)

The early foraging ecology of alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) is poorly documented, with little information available on young‐of‐year food habits or ontogenetic diet shifts. We conducted laboratory experiments to quantify prey selection and foraging behaviours of larval and early juvenile alligator gar (16–80 mm TL) simultaneously offered zooplankton, chironomid larvae and one of three densities of fish prey. The smallest size groups of alligator gar consumed zooplankton almost exclusively, but with increasing size, selection for zooplankton declined and selection for fish prey increased. At higher densities of fish prey, alligator gar exhibited lower selection for zooplankton and positively selected for fish at smaller sizes. Ingestion efficiencies for chironomids were considerably lower than for zooplankton or fish prey, resulting in low rates of consumption and negative selection for chironomids by all size groups of alligator gar. Fish prey elicited a different foraging response from alligator gar than zooplankton or chironomids, as alligator gar pursued and struck at fish over longer distances than for other prey types. With increasing size, alligator gar used a wider vertical range of the water column for foraging, changed their strike tactics and exhibited decreased handling times for zooplankton and fish. These observations indicate that alligator gar undergo several functional and behavioural changes during early ontogeny that facilitate a rapid transition to piscivory, but fish prey density strongly affects prey consumption patterns and the size at which alligator gar transition to piscivory.     

Fish larvae – zooplankton relationships in microcosm simulations of earthen nursery ponds. I. Freshwater system

To address the commercial nurseries problem of obtaining enough zooplankton of adequate species composition and size when fish larvae start to feed, a simulation of the effects of predation intensity on zooplankton composition in freshwater nursery ponds was carried out in an experimental system of twelve 130-liter containers. Treatments consisted of two densities (1 or 2 larvae l⁻¹) of common carp stocked on the 4th day after filling the containers and a control without fish. Zooplankton–environment relationships were explored using factor analysis. Several groups of zooplankters that respond in different ways to fish larvae predation pressure were identified. The first factor was a general measurement of zooplankton abundance that mainly reflects allochthonous rotifer species that entered the system with the filling water, replaced in time by autochthonous species that hatched from resting eggs in the sediment. The second factor identified the direct effects of size selective fish predation, and the third showed indirect effects of high fish density. Larvae growth rate matched the plankton availability: high just after stocking, when they fed on the abundant but declining numbers of allochthonous rotifers; then decreased drastically and increased again when hatching of resting eggs of autochthonous rotifers and the availability of the crustacean preys preferred by the fish, increased. It was concluded that in commercial nurseries increased larvae production can be achieved just by stocking fish earlier than the 4th day after pond filling, to match the rotifer peak.     

Application of Azotobacter enhances pond productivity and fish biomass in still water ponds

Two strains (derepressed-nitrogen fixing, Mac-27 and phosphate solubilizing, PS-21) of Azotobacter chroococcum were inoculated in fish culture ponds, singly and in combination with inorganic fertilizers (urea, single superphosphate–SSP). Physico-chemical parameters of pond waters, plankton production and fish biomass were studied. Inoculation of A. chroococcum (Mac-27) enhanced nitrogenase activity and rate of nitrogen fixation. A slight reduction in nitrogen fixation and nitrogenase activity was noticed when urea at 96 kg ha–1 y–1 was mixed with the biofertilizer (Mac-27). Inoculation of PS-21 enhanced phosphate solubilization, but Kjeldahl-nitrogen concentration values remained low in comparison with controls. On the other hand, inoculation of Azotobacter (either strain) enhanced the accumulation of ammonium-N, nitrite-N and nitrate-N. A significant (p < 0.05) reduction in dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration also took place when Azotobacter (both Mac-27 and PS-21) was inoculated in fish ponds. However, when used along with inorganic fertilizers, the reduction was not significant. The pH values were only slightly lowered when the phosphate-solubilizing strain (PS-21) of Azotobacter was inoculated. Inoculation of biofertilizer enhanced plankton production, net primary productivity and fish biomass. However, highest values in most of these parameters were noticed only in ponds that were treated with the higher doses of inorganic fertilizers (urea 192 kg and SSP 1500 kg ha–1 y–1). © Rapid Science Ltd. 1998     

Percid Pond Production Techniques

Tremendous variation in survival and growth of percid fry stocked in ponds was addressed through manipulation of amounts and kinds of fertilizers added and stocking densities of fish. Ponds were filled with water from nearby eutrophic lakes less than one week prior to stocking. Survival in these ponds averaged 64%. whereas ponds filled one month before stocking averaged only 14%. Optimal inorganic fertilization was identified as weekly restoration to 600µg N/L (NH4 +NO₃) and 30µg P/L as PO₄ ^-3. Organic fertilization gave variable results and water qualities. In one experiment, low organic fertilization alone (28 kg alfalfa meal/ha/week) provided survival and growth comparable to optimal fertilization with inorganic nutrients. Although similar in results, inorganic fertilization was more cost effective than the alfalfa meal. Low fish predation from low stocking or survival allowed Daphnia to overgraze algae. This resulted in a crash in both algae and zooplankton in the ponds. Doubling the initial stocking density increased harvests from 150.000 to 300,000 fish/ha and increased yield from 45 to 100 kg/ha.     

Improving Water Use Efficiency in Semi-Arid Regions through Integrated Aquaculture/Agriculture

Two experiments were performed in the Bekaa plain in Lebanon to evaluate the feasibility of integrating aquaculture with established agriculture production in order to increase water productivity. Both experiments consisted of four plant management treatments: 1) Aquaculture effluent irrigation and no fertilizer; 2) aquaculture effluent irrigation and inorganic fertilizer; 3) well water irrigation and no fertilization; and 4) well water irrigation with inorganic fertilizer. In the first experiment, tilapia growth and radish production using aquaculture effluent were evaluated. All fish survived and grew, and radish production was improved by irrigating with aquaculture effluent. In the second experiment, maize (Zea mays) in large plots was irrigated with aquaculture effluent. Irrigation with effluent water improved maize production and improved soil nitrogen availability. In both experiments, fish production improved water value index and water use efficiency. Results suggest that aquaculture effluent can supplant inorganic fertilizers and could actually yield better crop production.     

Effect of diets on growth and reproductive development of juvenile pikeperch, Stizostedion lucioperca (L.), reared under intensive culture conditions

Juvenile pikeperch 3.66 ± 0.23 cm total length (TL) and 0.32 ± 0.05 g were reared in water at 22 ± 0.5^°C and fed with live zooplankton or alternatively a commercial trout feed. Fish fed with dry diet grew faster and had higher condition factor than fish fed live zooplankton. Sex differentiation in pikeperch was visible at different stages of ontogenesis, but was related to the fish growth rate. The gonads offish that were 3.43-5.69 cm TL revealed undifferentiated characteristics. Clear indication of oogenesis in females was observed in pikeperch at 7.9 cm TL and 3.47 g, whereas evident spermatogenesis was not observed till the end of the experiment.     

Changes in fish production effectivity in eutrophic fishponds—impact of zooplankton structure

Fishponds were and are purposeful water structures. Fish production is their main function and rational management is an inevitable condition for their existence. The present high level of fishpond eutrophication results in nutrients overloading. The effect of the high level of nutrients is emphasized by top-down control of zooplankton by high fish stock densities. Currently the zooplankton is represented by small species such as nauplii, small cyclopoid copepods, small species of Cladocera and rotifers that are not so effective filtrators. The high eutrophic level brings about high primary production (mostly with predominance of inedible Cyanophytes) which cannot be used by this type of zooplankton. The main consequences of high eutrophication are large fluctuations in basic environmental parameters and a decrease in production effectivity. It is expected that the utilization efficiency of the enormous primary production through zooplankton into fish production is low. Therefore, maintaining ecological stability and healthy, sound functioning of the ecosystem, meaning without considerable fluctuations, represents an important task in sustainable fishpond management.     

Effect of pig dung on water quality and polyculture of carp species during winter and summer

Theeffect of pig dung, as pond manure [at 18 and 36 tha^–1 yr^–1] and as fish feed ingredient[replacing traditional diet composed of solvent extracted rice bran and mustardcake (1:1) at 25, 50, 75 and 100% levels], was observed on water quality, pondproductivity and survival and growth of carp in polyculture system during winter(12–18 °C) and summer (18–36 °C)months. The studies on water quality parameters viz pH, dissolved oxygen andalkalinity revealed that pig dung even at higher levels (both as manure and /oras feed ingredient) did not deteriorate the quality of water, as all the waterparameters remained within the optimum ranges required for carps. The nutrient(phosphates and nitrates) status of water was significantly better in pondsreceiving pig dung as pond manure at 36 tha^–1 yr^–1. Pond productivity in terms ofplankton production (phyto and zooplankton) was also significantly higher innutrient rich water (36 tha^–1 yr^–1) both during winter andsummer. Further, in all the ponds (including control) phytoplankton levels weresignificantly higher during winter and zooplankton was higher during summer. Thestudies revealed 100% survival of all the fish species in all the treatments.During winter, the growth of carp was higher in treatments where pig dung wasused as feed ingredient (at 25% level), whereas during summer growth was higherwhere pig dung was used either as pond manure and/or as feed ingredient (athigher levels). Further, among carps, the growth of Indian major carps vizCatla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhinamrigala was higher during summer and that of exotic carps vizCyprinus carpio and Ctenophayrengodonidella was higher during winter.