Species & Systems
Species and Culture Environments
Begin with the species, and build the system around its needs. Every farmed animal has a range of temperature, salinity, oxygen, feed and space in which it thrives. Matching those needs to the water actually available at a site is the first and most important decision in aquaculture.
- Rohu — Labeo rohita
- Catla — Labeo catla (also cited as Catla catla)
- Mrigal — Cirrhinus mrigala
- Nile tilapia — Oreochromis niloticus
- Pangasius — Pangasianodon hypophthalmus
- Magur and other catfish — Clarias magur
- Giant freshwater prawn — Macrobrachium rosenbergii
- Whiteleg shrimp — Penaeus vannamei (Litopenaeus vannamei)
- Black tiger shrimp — Penaeus monodon
- Mud crab — Scylla serrata
- Asian seabass (barramundi) — Lates calcarifer
- Milkfish — Chanos chanos
- Ornamental fish — Many species, e.g. Poecilia reticulata (guppy), Betta splendens
- Seaweed — e.g. Kappaphycus alvarezii, Gracilaria spp.
- Bivalves — e.g. Perna viridis (green mussel), Crassostrea spp. (oysters)
Three culture environments
- Freshwater: tanks, reservoirs, canals and groundwater support Indian major carps, tilapia, pangasius, catfish and freshwater prawn.
- Brackish water: estuaries and coastal zones with intermediate salinity suit whiteleg shrimp, tiger shrimp, mud crab, milkfish and seabass.
- Marine water: full-strength seawater supports marine finfish, bivalves and seaweed, mostly in coastal cages, pens and hatcheries.
Freshwater sites and marine species
A freshwater location does not automatically support marine shrimp or mud crab. Low-salinity shrimp culture exists in some inland areas, but it depends on specific ionic profiles, careful management and responsible handling of saline effluent to protect soils and groundwater. Mud crab requires brackish conditions. Species choice must follow available water, not the other way round.
About the species profiles
The profiles on this portal are learning profiles. They give the correct common and scientific names, describe each species' environmental needs, typical culture systems, feeding behaviour, health considerations and market context. They explain considerations; they do not prescribe stocking densities, investments or expected returns.