Polyculture means keeping several compatible fish species together in one pond so that each uses a different layer of water and type of natural food. For Indian farmers, this approach can turn a small pond into a reliable source of income, food and employment throughout the year. When planned carefully, growth is faster, disease risk is lower and water stays healthy for longer periods. This guide on Top 10 Polyculture Combinations Suited to Indian Ponds explains practical stocking ideas, reasons behind each mix, and basic management tips in simple language for beginners as well as serious aquaculture learners.
#1 Classic catla, rohu and mrigal combination
The traditional starting point for many farmers is a simple mix of catla, rohu and mrigal in well prepared village ponds. Catla feeds near the surface, rohu mainly uses the middle layer, and mrigal searches along the bottom for leftover feed and organic matter. Because each species prefers a different feeding zone, competition for food is low and natural pond productivity is fully used. This combination suits regions with moderate fertilisation and basic supplementary feeding using rice bran and oil cakes, and it works very well for farmers who are new to managed carp culture.
#2 Six carp composite system for high yields
A more advanced option is the six carp composite system using catla, rohu, mrigal, common carp, grass carp and silver carp in a balanced ratio. Catla and silver carp mainly graze plankton near the surface, rohu actively feeds in the water column, while mrigal and common carp clean the bottom by eating detritus and leftover feed. Grass carp controls weeds by consuming tender aquatic plants. Together, these species convert almost every natural food item in the pond into valuable fish. Farmers with better seed access and regular feeding practices often choose this combination to maximise annual production.
#3 Catla, rohu, mrigal with freshwater prawn
Where farmers have slightly deeper ponds and access to prawn seed, combining catla, rohu and mrigal with freshwater prawn can be very rewarding indeed. The three carps use surface, middle and bottom zones effectively, while prawns move on the pond floor and feed on waste feed, small organisms and organic deposits. This improves recycling of nutrients and raises income because prawns earn high market prices. However, the farmer must maintain good water quality, provide shelters on the pond bottom and ensure moderate stocking densities so that prawns grow to desirable size alongside table sized carps.
#4 Rohu, catla, common carp and tilapia mix
In many rural areas, farmers prefer hardy stocking combinations that perform even when management is not perfect. A practical choice pairs rohu, catla and common carp with Nile tilapia in fertilised ponds. Rohu and catla grow rapidly when plankton levels are good, while common carp utilises settled feed at the bottom. Tilapia reproduces inside the pond, supplying natural fry that feed on algae and fine particles. This provides continuous harvests of mixed sizes for home consumption and local markets. To prevent overcrowding, regular partial harvesting and proper liming are very important parts of this system.
#5 Grass carp based weed control polyculture
Weed choked ponds that are difficult to clean manually can be turned into productive assets by including grass carp with other carps. A typical mix uses grass carp with catla, rohu and common carp in moderate densities. Farmers grow napier or hybrid grass on pond dykes and feed fresh cut leaves daily. Grass carp converts this bulky vegetation into marketable fish, while catla and rohu utilise plankton and supplementary feed. Common carp again works the bottom, reducing organic sludge. This system is efficient for farmers who already grow fodder crops and want dual benefits from the same land.
#6 Seasonal pond polyculture with minor carps
For seasonal ponds that hold water for six to eight months, combinations of fast growing Indian carps with minor carps are very useful. Farmers commonly stock rohu, mrigal and common carp along with suitable minor carps that feed on insects, algae and small crustaceans. Because the culture period is shorter, fingerlings should be slightly larger at stocking and feeding must be regular. The diverse feeding habits reduce the risk of total crop failure during unexpected dry periods. Harvesting is usually planned before water levels fall sharply, so the farmer can sell fish quickly and safely recover investment.
#7 Carps with air breathing fish in cages
In some parts of India, farmers earn extra income by combining air breathing fish with carps in small ponds or tanks. A careful mix of magur or singhi in cages or net enclosures, together with rohu and common carp outside, can work well. The carps use the open water body while air breathing fish tolerate low oxygen inside the cages, feeding on specially prepared high protein feeds. This arrangement allows different stocking densities in the same pond. Good hygiene, regular removal of waste feed and proper night aeration are essential to prevent water quality problems and disease outbreaks.
#8 Pangasius with rohu and common carp
Entrepreneurial farmers with deeper ponds and strong market links often experiment with pangasius based polyculture. Pangasius is a fast growing catfish that accepts pelleted feed and tolerates higher stocking densities when aeration is available. A combination of pangasius with rohu and common carp can give good yields where water exchange is reliable. Pangasius mainly occupies the middle depth, rohu uses upper and middle zones, and common carp searches near the bottom. Because feed input is high, proper sludge management and regular dissolved oxygen checks are critical. Harvest planning should consider the strong demand for dressed pangasius fillets.
#9 Carps with small indigenous fish for nutrition
Nutrition sensitive aquaculture aims to improve family diets while earning income, and polyculture with small indigenous fish species supports this goal. Farmers can stock catla, rohu and mrigal at moderate densities, and allow self recruiting small fishes such as mola, punti and chela to remain in the pond. Carps grow to table size for sale, while families regularly harvest small fish using lift nets for home consumption. These fishes are rich in micronutrients and can be cooked whole. To maintain balance, farmers avoid total harvesting and leave some small breeders so that natural recruitment continues each season.
#10 Climate smart hardy species combination
Climate variability and irregular monsoon patterns make resilient pond systems very important for Indian farmers. A climate smart polyculture design uses species that tolerate wider environmental changes, such as common carp, tilapia and selected air breathing fishes, along with rohu in slightly deeper ponds with refuge trenches. During hot months or water shortage, hardy species continue to survive and grow, giving at least a partial harvest instead of complete loss. Farmers can reduce risk further by installing simple shade structures, maintaining green pond colour with regular manuring, and planning emergency pumping arrangements before the peak summer period.