HOW DOES POLYCULTURE WORK?
Ponds that have been enriched through chemical fertilization, manuring or feeding practices contain abundant natural fish food organisms living at different depths and locations in the water column. Most fish feed predominantly on selected groups of these organisms. Polyculture should combine fish having different feeding habits in proportions that effectively utilize these natural foods (Figure 1). As a result, higher yields are obtained. Efficient polyculture systems in tropical climates may produce up to 8,000 kg of fish per hectare per year.