A combination of five or six fish species is used in a single fish pond in the composite fish culture system. The selected species do not compete for food among them as they have different types of food habits.

The types of fishes used are:

Callas are surface feeders, Rohus feed in the middle-zone of the pond, Mrigals, and Common Carps are bottom feeders, and Grass Carps feed on the weeds. As a result, the food available in all the parts of the pond is used.

Advantages of Composite fish culture:

• The species of fishes in the pond utilize all the food available in the pond.
• The species do not compete with each other for food as they have different food habits.
• The yield of fish is increased by such a culture system.
• The disadvantage of Composite fish culture:
• A major problem in fish farming is the lack of availability of good quality fish seeds.