Experince of periphyton-based aquaculture systsms
Practical Action
Bamboo branches/Kanchi
Pani Kachu (Colocasia esculenta)
Mandar and Zika (local name) tree branches
prevent large predators from predating on
small fishes. This substrate is commonly
planted in the flood prone areas like Faridpur
Bamboo branches are gummy/sticky in water.
Less attachment of algae (shaowla) was
observed.
Farmers cultivate pani kachu next to a canal
or a pond or in low lands. Fish can be
cultured in Kachu field if the pond holds at
least 1 ft depth of water for 6-7 months.
Attached algae in the kachu might be a
source of fish feed.
Also used in ponds to protect poaching.
Future programmes related to periphyton
I. Investigating the role of indigenous aquatic plants in small-scale aquaculture and fish
conservation, with particular emphasis as substrate for periphyton.
2. Evaluation of farmer/fisher identified substrates (availability, competition,
environmental effect in small and semi-closed water bodies (low land rice-pond
system), economics/commercial viability, integrated use of substrate and periphyton)
in different aquaculture and fisheries management systems.
3. Livelihood and sustainability issues of periphyton based system.
4. Use of indigenous fishes or self recruiting species as candidate species for the
exploitation of periphyton/periphytic detritaI aggregates.
This technical brief was originally written by A.T.M Faruk-ul-Islam for Practical
Action Bangladesh.
Practical Action Bangladesh
practicalaction@practicalaction.org.bd
GPO Box 3881
Dhaka 1000
Bangladesh
Tel: +880 (0)2 865 0439
Fax: +880 (0)2 967 4340
Website: http://practicalaction.org/practicalanswers/
Practical Action is a development charity with a difference. We know the simplest ideas can have the
most profound, life-changing effect on poor people across the world. For over 40 years, we have been
working closely with some of the world’s poorest people - using simple technology to fight poverty and
transform their lives for the better. We currently work in 15 countries in Africa, South Asia and Latin
America.
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