Introduction: Composite fish culture of six species comprising three Indian major carps and three exotic carps can be successfully carried out up to an altitude where average annual temperature of water do not fall lower than 20 °C. The species composition for the lower temperature (below 20 °C) should be the exotic carps.

1.  Pre-stocking management of the pond

• Application of lime at the rate of 3,000 kg/ha in one installment preferably on the bottom soil when the pond is dry. Lime may also be applied on the water.

• After 15 days of accumulation of water if lime was added on the bottom soil or after 15 days of application of lime on the water, cow-dung may be applied at the rate of 10,000 kg/ha in one installment. After 20 days of application of cow-dung, the pond should be stocked with fingerlings.

2.  Stocking of pond

• Stocking density: 6,000 numbers of fingerlings/ha.

• Average weight of the fingerlings. 30-40g.

• Stocking ratio: ->

1. For composite fish culture of Indian major and exotic carps.
   Catla 2:  Rohu 1: Mrigal 1: Common carp 2: Grass carp 1: Silver carp 3.

2. For culture of exotic carps. Common carp 3.5: Grass carp 2.5 : Silver carp 4.

3.  Post stocking management of the pond

• Application of cow-dung at the rate of 20,000 kg/ha/year in 10 equal installments.

• After 15 days of application of cow-dung, urea may be applied at the rate of 180 kg/ha/year, superphosphate at the rate of 540 kg/ha/year and muriate of potash at the rate of 90 kg/ha/year in 10 equal installments. Each installment of inorganic manures should be applied after 15 days of application of each installment of cow-dung.

4.  Artificial feeding of fishes

• Artificial feeding with a mixture of rice bran and mustard oil cake (1:1) twice daily at the rate of 4 percent of the total body weight of the fishes is recommended.