OAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Calzada, Oas, Albay

MODULE 9

Subject Code: _____TLE-AFA 2 Subject Title: Teaching Common Competencies In AFA

I- Module Title: FISH CULTURE

II- Module Description:

III- Expected Outcome/objectives

At the end of this chapter, the students are expected to:

Lesson 1: Understand the Aspects, Classifications, Methods of
Fish Culture
Lesson 2: Recognize Terminologies Used in Fish Culture
Lesson 3: Identify the Facilities, Parts of Fish Pond and their Functions. Illustrate Fish
Pond Layout
Lesson 4: Identify the Cultivable Fish and Crustacean Species

IV- LESSON CONTENT

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Fish Cage – is a structured-based net that is ether stationary or movable.

Fish Conservation – is the scientific means of conserving fish and other
fishery aquatic products/resources.
Fish Cultivation – is the rearing of fish under controlled and semi-controlled
condition.
Fish Pen – is an enclosure of net or bamboo slats with sturdy posts staked at
the bottom of water and used for the culture of fish from fry to marketable size.
Fish Pond – is a confined body of water where fish are raised under controlled
conditions.
Fish Propagation – is the process of increasing fish life either by natural or
artificial means of reproduction.
Fish Tank – is a structure made of brick tile, concrete or polyvinyl chloride
(pvc) used for the purpose of culturing fish from fry, to marketable size. It also
can be used as a breeding tank, or as conditioning tank.
Hapa – is a small unframed net enclosure with the entire upper opened.
Raceway – is an enclosure of concrete soil or added materials.
 Lesson 1: ASPECTS, CLASSIFICATIONS AND METHODS
OF FISH CULTURE

Many programs and activities had been done in response to the problems regarding the shortage of the
supply of fish in the country. One of which this program is Fish Culture. Fish culture then must be introduced to
enhance awareness and adopt some of the technology and its adoption as additional source of food and income.

Nature and Scope of Fish Culture

It is the rearing of fish from fry to marketable size. It also cultivates other aquatic products such as
crabs, prawns and shrimps. Fish cultivation is undertaken in fresh, brackish and marine waters based from the
environment and water supply. The fresh water type of fish cultivation is carried out in lakes, rivers, dams or
reservoirs and marshes. Structures used for this type are fish ponds, fish pens, fish cage, fish tank and raceways.
The species of fish that are usually raised are tilapia, carp, catfish, mudfish and milkfish.
The brackish water type of fish cultivation is carried out in tidal flats or along margins of estuarine areas.
The structures as those in freshwater are used in this type is the same, except the raceways. The major species
of fish cultivated are tilapia, milkfish, shrimps and crabs. Fish pond is the predominant type of fish cultivation in
the country. It contributes utmost production of inland waters. Milkfish is the number one product. The marine
water type of fish cultivation is carried out in salt waters or open ocean waters. The farms are positioned in
deeper and less sheltered waters, where currents are stronger than they are inshore. The structures used for
this type are fish cage, fish tank, fish pond and raceways. The species of fish that are shellfish like prawns, or
oysters and seaweed.

Phases or Aspects of Fish Culture:

 Fish Cultivation- The rearing of fish under controlled and semi-controlled condition.
 Fish Propagation- The process of increasing fish life either by natural or artificial means of reproduction.

 Fish Conservation - The scientific means of conserving fish and other fishery aquatic
products/resources. It helps to keep the sport of fishing alive. Also, helps to maintain the balance of
certain ecosystems. Fish are important to the planet and fish conservation can help maintain nature’s
balance.
Classification of Fish Culture
1. According to extent of financial investment
a. Intensive - utilizes limited area with very high investment
b. Extensive - utilizes wide area with minimal capital and very
low production
c. Semi-intensive - employ some or the majority of the modern
techniques of production

2. According to purpose
a. for commerce or for business
b. for recreation or for enjoyment
c. for educational and cultural or scientific pursuit
d. for food production

3. According to design
a. natural pond
b. artificial pond

4. According to state of water

a. still water
b. running water

5. According to salinity
a. freshwater
b. brackish-water
c. marine or saltwater

6. According to temperature
a. warm water or hot water
b. cold water

7. According to species raised

a. freshwater species
b. brackish-water species
c. marine or saltwater species

Methods of Fish Culture

Based on the structures used in fish cultivation, they can be classified into five methods. These are the
fish pond, fish pen, fish cage, fish tank and open-water method. Fish pond is the most widely used. Fry or
fingerlings of one or more species are stocked and reared in pond up to harvest time. Natural food is grown
in pond. The supplementary feed is added. The method of harvesting is draining the pond. Retrieval of fish
in this way is complete. Another method of harvesting is freshening in case of bangus. Having positive
rheotaxism, the fish are induced to go against water current by the gate and concentrated into a catching
 pond where they are scooped. The fish pen method of fish cultivation is undertaken in net enclosures in
shallow protected areas of inland waters. Bamboo and wood materials ate used as post and braces. Its lower
end is embedded in the mud to prevent escape of stock by excavating under, while the upper end is
extended two meters or more beyond the water level to escape of fish by jumping out. Harvest of fish is
done by seining or shocking them with electricity. The fish cage method of fish cultivation is also undertaken
in inland bodies of water, both in flowing and still water ones. The structure used is also made of nets. PVC
pipes as framing materials is preferred to that of wood or bamboo. A cage is much smaller than a fish pen.
The cage is closed on all sides and installed in suspension. Fish cage is stationary and movable. Floating and
fixed cages have open top. Growth rate of fish is dependent on the kind and amount of food given and
suitability of the environment. Harvesting of stock is relatively easy and complete. The fish is either scooped
or the cage is merely brought out of the water to empty the fish. The fish tank method of fish cultivation is
practiced primarily by fish hobbyists and in pet shops. The method employs varying sizes and shapes of fish
culture structures. These include glass bowls or aquaria and wooden or concrete tanks. This method
cultivation is done outdoor and indoor. The method involves rearing or breeding of ornamental or fancy,
colorful species of fish. A fifth method of fish cultivation is open-water method. It is done in bays, coastal
lagoons, canals and similar environments.

Lesson 1 Activity
I. Identification. Aspects and Methods of Fish Culture
Direction: Identify each item. Write the correct answer before the
number.

1. It is the scientific means of utilizing fish and other fishery aquatic

products/resources.
2. It is the process of increasing fish life either by natural or artificial
means of reproduction.
3. It is raising of fish under controlled or semi-controlled condition.
4. It is undertaken in net enclosures in shallow protected areas of inland
waters.
5. It is also undertaken in inland bodies of water, preferably in flowing
ones.
6. It is done in bays, coastal lagoons and similar environments.
7. It is the most widely used method. Fry or fingerlings of one or more
species are stocked and reared in pond up to harvest time.

II. Enumeration. Classification of Fish Culture

Direction: Enumerate each item.

1. According to purpose.
2. According to design.
3. According to state of water.
4. According to salinity.
5. According to temperature.
6. According to species raised.
7. According to extent of financial investment
 Lesson 2 DIFFERENT TERMINOLOGIES USED IN FISH CULTURE

In every area of specialization, there are terminologies used to give a specific meaning for a matter. This
will be served as a common idea to the professionals in their respective fields. So as is in this area, there are
scientific terminologies. In this lesson, it will tackle about various common terminologies used in fish culture.

Terminologies Used in the Study of Fish Culture

I- Anadromous - are species of fish that go upstream from salt water to freshwater to spawn.
ex:bangus

II- Biomass - is the total weight of the animal in the given environment.

III- Cannibalistic - are species of fish that feed on their own kind.

IV- Carnivorous - are species of fish that feed on other animals.

V- Catadromous - are species of fish that go down from freshwater to saltwater to spawn.ex:
eels

VI- Competition - is the rivalry for food, space and oxygen inside the fishpond.

VII- Endemic or indigenous - is native to the locality

VIII- Exotic or digenous - is introduced by other countries

IX- Fecundity - is the number of eggs laid by a female fish in one spawning.

10.Food chain - is the linear relationship of undergoing the process of eating and being eaten.

11.Habitat - is the place were plants and animals grow and naturally live.

12.Herbivorous - are species of fish that feed on plants and vegetables only

13.Lab-lab - is the vernacular term for all the greenish, brownish or yellowish crust of micro benthic
fauna and flora, which are found growing in matrix or mat at the pond floor.

14.Milt - is the male reproductive gland of fishes

15.Omnivorous - are species of fish that feed on both plants and animals

16.Oviparous - are species of fish whose eggs are fertilized and developed outside the body.
ex:tilapia
 17.Ovoviviparous - are species of fish whose eggs are fertilized and developed within the body but
the young when born alive do not receive nourishment from the
mother fish. ex: Rays and Sharks

18. pH - is the hydrogen ion-concentration of water.

19.Photosynthesis - is the process by which plants manufacture their food with the aid of sunlight.

20.Plankton - is the biological association of minute plants and animals which are found growing on
the surface of the water.

21.Predators - are species of fish feeding on other fishes specially the cultivable ones.

22.Prolific - is the process of producing young in great numbers

23.Sabalo - is the bangus breeder or spawner

24.Salinity - is the degree of freshness and saltiness of water.

25.Scavenger - are species of fish that feed on decaying organic matter.

26.Spat - is the larvae of oyster and mussel which are free swimming in water.

27.Standing crop - is the total number of fish stocked at a given area at a given time.

28.Temperature - is the degree of coldness and hotness of water.

29.Tide - is the periodic rise and fall of seawater.

30.Viviparous - are species of fish that bring forth living young which during their early
development receive nourishment from their mother fish.

Lesson 2 Activity

I. Identification. Identify the following given statements.

1. It is the total weight of the animal in the given environment.
2. It is the process of producing young in great numbers.
3. It is the hydrogen ion-concentration of water.
4. It is the number of eggs laid by a female fish in one spawning.
5. It is the biological association of minute plants and animals which
are found growing on the surface of the water
 LESSON 3: Fish Culture Facilities

Many facilities that can operate in fish culture. In this lesson, we only tackle the common and frequently
used facilities. They are Fish Pond, Fish Cage, Fish Pen, Fish Tank, Hapa and Raceway. All of them will be
discussed below.

1. FISH POND
According to the www.agriculturenigeria.com that fish pond is a confined body of water where
fish are raised under controlled conditions. Fish can also be raised in plastics, fiber stars and wooden
rafts. There are three main types of ponds in construction. This either be earthen pond, concrete pond
and riprap.

FISH EARTHEN POND

 FISH CONCRETE POND

FISH RIPRAP POND

Compartments of a Fish Pond and each Function

I- Nursery pond - is the smallest and the cleanest compartment where fish are reared from fry
up to prefingerling size.

II- Transition pond - is a compartment where fish are reared from pre-fingerling size to post
fingerling size before stocking compartments, it is also known as stunting pond.
 III- Rearing pond - is the largest compartment of a fishpond where fishes are reared from post
fingerlings up to marketable size.

IV- Breeding pond - is a compartment where spawners are confined and are used purposely for
the production of fry.

V- Catching pond - is an area that serves as catchment basin for fish harvest.

VI- Head pond - is an area that serves as water reservoir where water is stored before going to
other pond compartments.

VII- Water supply canal - is a canal used to supply water throughout the whole fish pond
system.

Kinds of Dikes

1. Main dike – is the largest of all dikes that surrounds the whole fishpond project.
2. Secondary dike – is the dike that surrounds the big compartment.
3. Tertiary dike – is the dike that surrounds the small compartment.

Kinds of Gates
1. Main gate – is the largest gate that serves as water entrance in the whole fishpond
system.
2. Secondary gate – is the gate that can be found in the large compartment.
3. Tertiary gate – is the gate that can be found in the small compartment.

FISH CAGE

Fish Cage is a structured-based net that is ether stationary or movable. Set in water and surrounded all
sides by bamboo slats and provided with an anchor at the bottom. It is used for the culture of fish from fry to
marketable size.
FISH PEN

It is an enclosure of net or bamboo slats with sturdy posts staked at the bottom of water and
used for the culture of fish from fry to marketable size. The fish pen is fastened permanently
against sturdy post and frames

FISH TANK

It is structure made of brick tile, concrete or polyvinyl chloride (pvc) used for the purpose of
culturing fish from fry, to marketable size. It also can be used as a breeding tank, or as conditioning
tan
HAPA
A small unframed net enclosure with the entire upper opened. It is suspended by poles with
ample portion extending beyond the water level to prevent the fish from jumping out.

RACEWAY
It is an enclosure of concrete soil or added materials. The shape is likely of the canal through
which constant water flows. Fish are raised in the raceway at high density and their waste products
are carried out by the water passing through the areas
LESSON 3 Activity

FISH FACILITIES IDENTIFIER

I. Identification. Direction: Identify each item. Write your correct answer before the number.
1. It is a confined body of water where fish are raised under controlled conditions.
2. It is fastened permanently against sturdy post and frames.
3. It is a structured-based net that is ether stationary or movable.
4. It is suspended by poles with ample portion extending beyond the water level to prevent the fish
from jumping out.
5. It is an enclosure of concrete soil or added materials. The shape is likely of the canal through
which constant water flows.
6. It is structure made of brick tile or concrete used for the purpose of culturing fish from fry, to
marketable size.
7. It is a compartment where fish are reared from pre-fingerling size to post fingerling size before
stocking them in to other larger compartments, it is also known as stunting pond.
8. It is a compartment where spawners are confined and are used purposely for the production of
fry or fingerling.
9. It is the smallest and the cleanest compartment where fish are reared from fry up to pre-
fingerling size. 10.It is the largest compartment of a fishpond where fishes are reared from post
fingerlings up to marketable size.
11.It is an area that serves as water reservoir where water is stored before going to other pond
compartments.
12.It is the canal used to supply water throughout the whole fish pond system.
13.It is an area that serves as catchment basin for fish harvest.
14.It is the dike that surrounds the smallest compartment.
15.It is the dike that surrounds the biggest compartment.
16.It is the dike that surrounds the whole fish pond.
17.It is the gate that can be found in the largest compartment.
18.It is the gate that can be found in the smallest compartment.
19.It is a large gate that serves as water entrance in the whole fish pond system.
20.It is a confined body of water where fish are raised under controlled condition\

DEVELOPING OWN FISH POND LAYOUT

Materials:
 Pencil
 Ruler
 Bond Paper
Procedures:
1. Prepare your materials.
2. Develop your own Fish Pond Layout. All kinds of compartments,
dikes and gates must be included. (You can use the internet as your reference for the
compartments, dikes and gates)
 LESSON 4: CULTIVABLE FISH AND CRUSTACEAN SPECIES

There are vast species of aquatic animals with their unique characteristics around the globe in
freshwaters, brackish waters and saltwater yet not all of them are edible to consume by human for
food because of health issues if eaten and the threat of extinction to their race which are protected
by local governments. So, there are only specific species of fish for food and legally to produce and
commerce. In this lesson, it will discuss about the Philippine common species of cultivable fish and
crustaceans in fish facilities, their characteristics and natural food according to their water habitats.

Common Cultivable Fish Species:

Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is a tropical species that prefers to live in shallow water. The
lower and upper lethal temperatures for Nile Tilapia are 12˚C and 42˚C, respectively, while the
preferred temperature ranges from 31˚C to 36˚C. It is an omnivorous grazer that feeds on
phytoplankton, periphyton aquatic plants, small invertebrates, benthic fauna, dentitus and
bacterial films associated with detritus. Nile Tilapia can live longer than 10 years and reach an
exceeding weight of 5 kg.

Mozambique Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) is a freshwater and brackish water inhabitant. It

lives in warm, weedy pools of sluggish stream, canals and ponds. Is mainly diurnal, occurs at
temoeratures ranging from 8˚C to 42˚C. Omnivorous, feeds on almost anything from algae to
insects but also crustaceans and fishes. Mozambique Tilapia reaches a maximum size to 36 cm
Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) is live in the middle and lower streams of rivers, in inundated areas,
and shallow confined waters such as lakes and water reservoirs. Carps are mainly bottom dwellers but
search for food in the middle and upper layers of water body. Best growth is obtained when water
temperature ranges between 23˚C and 30˚C. The fish can survive cold winter periods. It is omnivorous,
with a high tendency towards the consumption of animal food such as water insects, larvae of insects,
worms, molluscs, and zooplanktons. Common carps can reach 0.6 to 1 kg body weight within one
season in the polycultural fish ponds of tropical and subtropical areas.

Bighead Carp (Hypopthalmichthys nobilis) is a eurythermic fish, being to tolerate water

temperatures of 0.5˚C to 38˚C. It inhabits lakes, rivers and reservoirs. Bighead carp normally dwell
in the upper layer of the water column and prefers high fertility water with abundant natural food.
Basically, it is a zooplankton eater throughout its life under natural conditions yet also consumes
artificial feed in culture ponds. Bighead Carp are fast growing and become very large in size
reaching a maximum weight of 40 kg.
Philippine Catfish (Clarias batrachus) is an air breathing fish inhabit in lowland streams, swamps, ponds,
ditches, rice paddies and pools left in low spots after flood. It can walk and leave the water to migrate to
another water bodies using its auxiliary breathing organs. It usually confined to stagnant, muddy water and
tolerates temperature from 10˚C to 28˚C. Omnivorous that feed on insect larvae, earthworms, shell,
shrimps, small fishes, aquatic plants and debris. Approximately, its maximum length is 47 cm and maximum
weight of 1.2 k

Bighead Catfish (Clarias macrocephalus) is an air breathing fish lives in lowland wetland and rivers.
Occurs in shallow, open water and is capable of lying buried mud for lengthy period in the time of
ponds and lakes evaporate during dry seasons. It can also extend its fins to move out of the water.
Found in medium to large-sized rivers, stagnant water bodies including sluggish flowing canals and
flooded fields. It can tolerate temperatures from 10˚C to 28˚. Omnivorous that feed on aquatic
insect, young shrimps, small fishes and aquatic plants. Its maximum length is 120 cm and maximum
weight is 45 kg.
North African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) is found in lakes, streams, rivers, swamps and floodplains,
many of which are subject to seasonal drying. The most common habitats are floodplain swamps
and pools where they can survive during the dry season(s) due to their accessory air breathing
organs. It undertakes lateral migrations from the larger water bodies, in which they feed on aquatic
insects, worms, gastropods, small crustaceans, small fishes, aquatic plants, terrestrial seeds and
berries, small birds and small mammal as being an omnivorous. It can live in the temperature of
10˚C to 28˚C. The record individual from Country of Malawi was 16.1 in kg and the max length is
150 cm.

Snakehead Murrel (Channa striata) is a ray-finned fish that perch- like in form and its head is like of
a snake. It is a fresh and brackish water inhabitant such as ponds, streams, rivers, stagnant and
muddy plains. Found mainly in swamps but also occurs in lowland rivers. It can survive in dry
season by burrowing in bottom mud of lakes, canals and swamps as long as skin and breathing
apparatus remain moist and subsists on the stored fat. Feed on fish, frogs, snakes, insects,
earthworms, tadpoles and small crustaceans as being a carnivore. Snakehead murrel can live in
temperature of 23˚C to 27˚C. Its maximum length is 100cm and weight of 3kg.
 Giant Gourami (Osphronemus gouramy) is a laterally compressed (compress form) fish. It has the
ability to breath air through a specific organ called labyrinth (a much-folded suprabranchial
accessory breathing organ), which appears in juveniles about 30 days after hatching and become
functional around 40 days. This fish is omnivorous but with a strong vegetarian tendency, it can
ingest various aquatic and terrestrial plants, although it can also eat a wide range of other food
resources such as frogs, tadpoles, snails, small fishes and other small aquatic animals. Giant
gourami prefers calm fresh waters especially slow-moving areas such as lakes and large rivers. They
are also found in flood plains and irrigation canals. It lives in tropical temperature of water. It can
reach a remarkable size but normally the maximum size is 45-50 cm. Growth rate is quite slow and
may reach commercial size of 500 to 750 g within 9-14 months of grow out. To achieve larger sizes
1 to 2 kg, an extended period of grow out rearing is required, generally compromising 25 to 35
months in total.

Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) is also known as seabass, it inhabits freshwater, brackish water and
marine habitats including streams, lakes, billabongs, estuaries and coastal waters. Barramundi are
opportunistic predators; crustaceans and fish predominate in the diet of adults. It is highly fecund; a
single female (120 cm) may produce 30-40 million eggs. Consequently, only small numbers of
broodstock are necessary to provide adequate numbers of larvae for large-scale hatchery production.
Larvae recruit into estuarine nursery swamps where they remain for several months before they move
out into the freshwater reaches of coastal rivers and creeks considering them as a diadromous fish.
They usually occur at a temperature range of 26˚C to 29˚C and between 10 to 40 m deep. Its size is
commonly between at 25 to 100 cm.
Orange-spotted Grouper (Epinephelus coioides) has body elongated, not very compressed, light greyish
brown dorsally, shading to whitish on side and ventrally, with numerous brownish oranges or brownish
yellow spots on the size of pupil or smaller on head and body. It inhabits turbid coastal reefs and is
often found in brackish water over mud and rubble. Juveniles are common in the shallow waters of
estuaries over sand, mud, gravels and among mangroves. It feeds on small fishes, shrimp and crabs. It
is generally cultured in floating net cages or earthen pond, but cage culture is more common in
Southeast Asia. Most of the brooders are collected from wild and reared for 1 to 7 years using
seawater at a constant temperature of 27˚C to 28˚C. The fish are fed with frozen sardines, mackerels,
cuttlefish, squids and top-shell clams because these foods have high contents of cholesterol,
phospholipids and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Malabar Grouper (Epinephelus malabaricus) is a ray-finned fish and has perch-like body. It has light
grey to yellowish brown color; five slightly oblique dark brown bars that bifurcate ventrally;
numerous small black spots and blotches in head and body. It inhabits in marine, brackish, reef-
associated waters such as coral and rocky reefs, tide pools, estuaries, mangrove swamps and sandy
or mud bottom from shore to depths of 150 m. It feed primarily on fishes and crustaceans. Malabar
grouper can tolerate water temperature from 26˚C to 29˚C. Its common maximum length is 234 cm
and maximum weight of 150 kg.
Orange-spotted Spinefoot (Siganus guttatus) is also known as rabbit fish by the similarity of the
nose. It is a ray-finned fish with perch-like body. It has a bright yellow spot adjacent to last few rays
of dorsal fin, head with lines and spots. Its spine is stout, pungent and venomous. Inhabits in
marine and brackish water to include turbid inshore reefs among mangroves; tolerates or even
prefers low salinities. Fry settlers in seagrass beds around river mouths and adults enter and leave
rivers with tides but also found on drop-offs of inshore fringing reefs down to 6 m. It feeds on
benthic algae. Unlike other siganids, this species is reported to be active at night as being a
nocturnal fish. It can tolerate water temperature from 24˚C to 28˚C. Its common maximum length
is 42 cm

Vermiculated Spinefoot (Siganus vermiculatus) is is also known as rabbit fish by the similarity of
the nose. It is a ray-finned fish with perch-like bluish white body, head brown to brownish or
golden yellow with irregular lines. Its spine is stout, blunt or pungent and venomous. It inhabits in
marine and brackish water, juveniles live among mangroves then move out to lagoon and coastal
reefs as they mature. It feeds on algae growing on seagrass, mangrove roots and rocks. Adult
congregate inshore in groups of several hundreds to spawn in summer. Adults on coastal reefs are
subject to strong currents. The species has a high fecundity of 350,000 per spawning season. It can
tolerate water temperature from 19˚C to 38˚C. Its common maximum length is 45 cm.
 Spotted Scat (Scatophagus argus) is a ray-finned fish with perch-like quadrangular body shape.
Juveniles with a few large roundish blotches, about size of eye, dorsal head profile is steep. Eye
moderately large and snout is rounded. It inhabits in fresh, brackish and marine waters such as
harbors, natural embayments, brackish estuaries and lower reaches of freshwater streams,
frequently occurring among mangroves. It feeds on worms, crustaceans, insects and plant matters.
The dorsal, anal and pelvic spines are believed by Philippine fishers to be venomous and capable of
inflicting wounds. It can live in the water temperature from 20˚C to 28˚C and usually its maximum
length is 38 cm.

Milkfish (Chanos chanos) is a fusiform, elongated, moderately compressed, and smooth streamline
body fish. It has body color silvery on belly and sides grading olive-green or blue on back, transparent
tissue covers eye. It is the only species in the Family Chanidae. Its distribution is restricted to either low
latitude tropics or the subtropical northern hemisphere along continental shelves and around islands,
where temperatures are greater than 20˚C. Milkfish only spawn in saline waters. Spawning takes place
near coral reefs during the warm month of the year. Juveniles and adults eat a wide variety of relative
soft and small food items, from microbial mats to detritus, epiphytes and zooplankton. It attains typical
length of 1m but may reach maximum length of 1.8m.
Common Cultivable Prawn/Shrimp Species:

Giant Tiger Prawn (Penaeus monodon) is similar to all penaeid shrimp, the rostrum well developed and
toothed dorsally and ventrally. Its carapace has without longitudinal or transverse sutures. Depending
on substratum, fees and water turbidity, body colors vary from green, brown, red, grey, blue and
transverse band colors on abdomen and carapace are alternated between blue or black and yellow.
Penaeus monodon was originally harvested together with other shrimp species from traditional
trapping-growing ponds or as a significant by-product of extensive milkfish ponds. It is mature and
breeds only in tropical marine habitats and spends their larval, juvenile, adolescent and sub-adult
stages in coastal estuaries, lagoons or mangrove areas. In the wild, they show marked nocturnal
activity, burrowing into bottom substratum during day and emerging at night to search for food as
benthic feeder. Under natural conditions, the giant tiger prawn is more of a predator than an
omnivorous scavenger or detritus feeder than other penaeid shrimp. Adults are often found over
muddy sand or sandy bottoms at 20 to 50 m depth in offshore waters. The females are highly fecund
with gravid females producing as many as 500,000 to 750,000 eggs. Hatching occurs 12 to 15 hours
after fertilization. It feeds on benthic detritus, polychaete worms and small crustaceans. Healthy adult
females can grow 25 to 30cm and weighted of 200 to 320g while healthy adult males can grow 20 to
25cm and weighted of 100 to 170g.

Indian White Prawn (Penaeus indicus) is similar to all penaeid shrimp, carapace rather smooth, lacking
gastro frontal and hepatic crest, ad rostral crest extending as far as or just before epigastric tooth,
rostrum slightly curve at tip and sigmoidal-shaped, usually bearing 7 to 9 upper teeth (including those
on carapace) and 3 to 6 lower teeth, rostral crest generally slightly elevated in large specimen including
adult females. Its body color is semitranslucent, somewhat yellowish white (small specimens) or
greyish green and covered with numerous minute dark brown dots, eyes light brown mesh-like stripes,
rostral and abdominal dorsal crests reddish brown to dark brown. The methods of brackish water
aquaculture are applied whether in cultures practices followed such as traditional, extensive, modified
extensive, semi-intensive or intensive. It inhabits the coast of East and South Africa, Southwest and
East coast of India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Southern China and
Northern coast of Australia. Penaeus indicus is nonburrowing, active both day and night, and prefers a
sandy mud bottom. Adults are normally found at depths less than 30m but have also been caught from
90m. The shrimp mature and breed mostly in marine habitats and spend the juvenile and sub-adult
stages of 30 to 120 mm total in length (TL) in coastal estuaries, backwaters or lagoons. Juveniles can
tolerate a much wider range of salinity (5-40%) than asults. On the southwest coast of India the
juveniles support a good commercial fishery in the backwaters and paddy fields. It is also highly fecund,
ranging from 68,000 to 1,254,200 eggs from females of 140- 200mm TL. Depending upon the
temperature, hatching takes place within 8-12 hours after spawning. The postlarvae migrate into the
estuaries, settle and feed on benthic detritus, polychaete worms and small crustaceans, and remain
there until they attain 110-120 mm TL. These sub-adults then return to the sea and get recruited into
the fishery. The size of Penaeus indicus used for broodstock development should preferably be above
145mm TL (20g) for females and 140mm (17g) for males.
Banana Prawn (Fenneropenaeus merguinsis) is widely distributed in the Indo-West Pacific region in
both tropical and subtropical waters. To include from Persian Gulf to Thailand, Hong Kong, the
Philippines, Indonesia, New Guinea, New Caledonia and North Australia. It inhabits in the bottom mud,
estuarine and marine about 10 to 45 m in depths. Its usually maximum total length is 240 mm (female).
It has been cultured in extensive ponds with natural seeding for a long time in Asia and recently in
semi-intensive and intensive ponds. Supplementary feeding occurred only later in improved extensive
farming, with usually stocked with wild caught or hatchery-produced postlarvae. Although F.
merguinsis does not grow as fast as P. monodon, their ability to mature and spawn in captivity and
their short life cycle ensure a consistent production of postlarvae and a great opportunity to
domesticate the species. This would eliminate the reliance of the prawn farming industry on wild
broodstock and more importantly, allows the development of fast growing or pathogen-free stocks
through selective breeding. Such low cost of broodstock, ease in larvae rearing and potentially low
feed cost.

Greasyback Prawn (Metapenaeus ensis) is commonly called mud prawn, sand prawn in catering trade.
It is popular due to its rich-tasting nutritious flesh. Cahracteristics of M. ensis include a wide
distribution, strong adaptability, omnivorous feeding habit, fast growth and high commercial value. It
breeds in seawater or brackish water but it can also be bred in freshwater after domestication. After
100 days in cultivation with a favourable environment and abundant food, juveniles will grow into
adult commercial shrimps of 10cm in length.
Giant Freshwater Prawn
(Macrobrachium rosenbergii) is the
largest Macrobrachium
species. The maximum recorded
size for males and females are 33cm and 29cm in length. Mature male prawns are larger than females.
The head of the male is also proportionately larger and the abdomen is narrower. M. rosenbergii is
nocturnal, bottom dwelling and sluggish in nature and is territorial. During the day they remain half
buried in sediments and prefers shallow, detritus rich and vegetated areas. In temperature regions, the
breeding season is summer while in tropical regions it is to the onset of the rainy season. Its spawning
occurs two or more times per season.
Common Cultivable Crab Species:

Swamp Crab (Scylla serrata) is a crab with smooth carapace and strong transversal ridges. Its gastric
zone is on the carapace with deep Hshaped groove. Front with 4 broad lobes, all more or less in line
with each other, 9 broad teeth on each anterolateral margin, all of them with similar size and
projecting obliquely outwards. It has a strong chelipeds with well-developed spines on the outer
surface of carpus and on the anterior and posterior dorsal parts of propodus. Its carapace color is
green to almost black with legs that may be marbled. The three other Scylla species prefer less saline
water. Farming of this species has developed from low density pond polyculture with fish and shrimp,
using wild seeds introduces tidally or intentionally, to monoculture in ponds and pens. Typically
associated with mangroves in estuaries and sheltered coastal habitats, they are found in soft muddy
bottoms where they dig deep burrows. Their courtship and mating occur in estuaries. Mature S. serrate
migrates offshore (up to 50km) to spawn. They may spawn at any time during the year. The number of
eggs produces may range from 1 to 6 million in a single spawning with at least 3 batches. Males can
grow up to 3kg with 28cm carapace width. Mature females have wide and dark abdomens and dark
orange ovaries that fill the cavity under the carapace.

Mud Crab (Scylla paramamosain) is a crab with a carapace usually green to light green, plam green to
greenish blue with lower surface and base of fingers usually pale yellow to yellowish orange. Its
carapace common width is between 15 and 18cm. Inhabits rock areas, near reef and mangroves.
Members of the order Decapoda are mostly gonochronic. Mating behaviour: Precopulatory courtship
ritual is common (through olfactory and tactile cues); usually indirect sperm transfer. Its recorded
maximum carapace length is 20cm.
Common Cultivable Lobster Species:

Ornate Spiny Lobster (Panulirus ornatus) is a lobster under the family of Palinuridae. It has maximum
total body length of 50cm but usually much smaller (30 to 35cm). It is found in shallow, sometimes
slightly turbid coastal waters from 1 to 8m depth, with a record of 50m deep. It inhabits sandy and
muddy substrates, sometimes on rocky bottom, often near the mouth of rivers but also on coral reefs.
Juveniles occur in holes and crevices which are partially covered by seagrass or macroalgae. It is
solitary, may live in pairs and has been found in larger concentrations. It is an omnivore species.
Members of the order Decapoda are mostly gonochronic. Mating behaviour: Precopulatory courtship
ritual is common (through olfactory and tactile cues); it is also indirect sperm transfer. It can be found
in the Indo-West Pacific region.
Common Cultivable Mollusk Species:

Slipper Cupped Oyster (Crassostrea iredalei) is a shell medium sized, very variable in shape but
generally higher than long, roughly rounded, oblique triangular or elongate ovate in outline. It’s left
(lover) valve rather thick but light weighted, more convex and larger than right (upper) valve. The color
of outside shell is dirty white, often flushed with pale greyish brown. The right valve is frequently with
a few darker purplish grey radial bands in early stages of growth. The interior of valves are whitish and
shiny, often with irregular areas of chalky white, deep puple-brown on posterior adductor scar. Its
geographical distribution is restricted to the Philippine Archipelago and Malaysia. C. iredalei attached
to hard objects or growing in bunches, on various soft bottoms, especially in bays and estuaries with
somewhat reduced salinity, intertidal and shallow subtidal water, and suspension-feeding. This
brackish water species is noted for its tasty creamy flesh and its culture required a salinity range of 15
to 25ppt. Its recorded maximum shell height is
15cm and commonly 8cm in length.

Donkey’s Ear Abalone (Haliotis asinina) is actively collected in the Southeast Asian countries for its
shell and large fleshy animal. It is common but not aggregating in dense populations. The depth where
they are usually found is at 0 to 10m. In life, the exceptionally large green mantle almost covers the
shell which is them devoid of encrusting marine growths, unlike of the other species. It is active at
night, feeds on epilithic algae by grazing. Found in intertidal, on coral reefs. H. asinine is mostly
gonochronic and broadcast spawners. Life cycle: Embryos develop into planktonic trocophore larvae
and later into juvenile veligers before becoming fully grown adults. Its recorded maximum length is
12cm and its common size is 9cm
Green Mussel (Perna viridis) is an economically important mussel, a bivalve belonging to the family of
Mytilidae. It is harvested in the wild and grown in aquaculture facilities in its native area. The shell
tapers to a sharp, downturned beak and has a smooth surface covered with a periostracum. The
ventral margin of the shell is straight or weakly concave. The ridge which supports the ligament
connecting the two shell valves is finely pitted. The beak has interlocking teeth; one in the right valve
and two in the left. The wavy posterior end of the paleal line and the large kidney-shaped adductor
muscle are diagnostic features of this species. Periostracum can be vivid green to dark brownish-green
near the outer edge and olive-green near the attachment point. The interior of the shell valves is shiny
and pale bluish green. It can usually found up to 10m depth and forms dense population (up to 35,000
individuals per square meter). This species in an efficient filter feeder, feeding on small zooplankton,
phytoplankton and other suspended fine organic material. Sexes are separate and fertilisation is
external. Spawning generally occurs twice a year between early spring and late autumn, however, in
the Philippines and Malaysia spawning occurs year-round. Sexual maturity occurs at 15 to 30mm shell
length. Life span is about 3 years. It is found in estuarine habitats with salinities ranging from 18 to 33
ppt and temperatures from 11˚C to 32˚C. It can reach 150mm.

Common Enemies of Fish and Crustacean

1. Predator - fish and other animals that prey on the cultured species of fish and crustacean
2. Competitors - fish and other animals that compete with the cultured species in terms of food, space
and oxygen
3. Nuisances - crustaceans and other animals that do a lot of damage to the food and in the habitat of
fish

Characteristics of Fish and Crustacean that are Suitable for Pond Culture

1. Fish should be palatable and good tasting – the fish must have a delicate flavor.
2. Fish must be a fast grower – the fish must be able to grow rapidly or can give a possibility of four or
more harvests a year.
3. Fish should be resistant to pests, diseases and parasites – the fish should not succumb to abrupt
changes in temperature or salinity and can tolerate such conditions in all its existence.
4. Fish should be a universal feeder – the culture fish require food which can be grown easily and
abundantly under favourable conditions.
5. Fish should have high market demand – the fish must command a high price to recover the expenses
incurred.
6. Fish should not be destructive in confinement, either to its kind or to other species or to its
environment – the fish should be prolific which means that reproduce very often to have a continuous
supply of fry or stocks.

Lesson 4 Activity
Direction: Identify the common names of the aquatic species in the ff:
1. Oreochromis mossambicus
2. Hypopthalmichthys nobilis
3. Clarias batrachus
4. Channa striata
5. Osphronemus gourami
6. Lates calcarifer
7. Epinephelus malabaricus
8. Siganus vermiculatus
9. Scatophagus argus10.Chanos chanos
11.Metapenaeus ensis
12.Scylla paramamosain
13.Panulirus ornatus
14.Crassostrea iredalei
15.Haliotis asinine

POST-TEST
Direction: Encircle the letter of the correct answer.
1. It is the rearing of fish under controlled or semi-controlled condition.
a) Fish Culture
b) Fish Cultivation
c) Fish Propagation
d) Fish Conservation
2. It is the process of increasing fish life either by natural or artificial
means of reproduction.
A. Fish Culture
B. Fish Cultivation
C. Fish Propagation
D. Fish Conservation
3. It is the scientific means of utilizing fish and other aquatic products/
resources.
 a) Fish Culture
b) Fish Cultivation
c) Fish Propagation
d) Fish Conservation
4. What is the fish culture classification according to its purpose?
a) Intensive
b) Recreation
c) Natural or Artificial
d) Extensive
5. What is fish culture method under taken in net closures in shallow
protected areas of inland waters?
a) Fish Pond
b) Fish Pen
c) Fish Cage
d) Fish tank
6. It is the degree of water freshness and saltiness.
a) Freshness
b) Saltiness
c) pH
d) Salinity
7. It refers to fish species that go upstream from saltwater to freshwater to
spawn.
a) Anadromous
b) Catadromous
c) Endemic
d) Exotic
8. It refers to the fish species that go downstream from freshwater to
saltwater to spawn.
a) Anadromous
b) Catadromous
c) Endemic
d) Exotic
9. What is the rivalry for food, space and oxygen inside the fish pond?
a) Competition
b) Cannibalism
c) Survival
d) Fighting
LEARNING MODULE IN AGRI-FISHERY ARTS
10.What is the linear relationship of undergoing the process of eating and
being eaten?
a) Food Web
b) Food Chain
c) Food System
d) Food Cycle
11.It is the smallest and cleanest compartment of fish pond.
a) Fingerlings Pond
b) Fry Pond
c) Nursery Pond
d) Delivery Pond
12.What is an area that serves as water reservoir where water is stored
before going to other pond compartment?
a. Main Pond
b. Head Pond
c. First Pond
d. Primary Pond
13.It is the dike that surrounds the smallest compartment.
a. Least Dike
b. Small Dike
c. Tertiary Dike
d. Third Dike
14.What is the gate in fish pond that can be found in the largest
compartment?
a. Main Dike
b. Head Dike
c. First Dike
d. Primary Dike
LEARNING MODULE IN AGRI-FISHERY ARTS
15.A small unframed net enclosure with entire upper opened is called ___.
a. Fish Tank
b. Fish Pen
c. Hapa
d. Payaw
16.What is the common name of Oreochromis niloticus?
a. Nile Tilapia
b. Mozambique Tilapia
c. Red Tilapia
d. Domestic Tilapia
17.What is the common name of Penaeus monodon?
a. Giant Tiger Prawn
b. Giant Freshwater Prawn
c. Indian White Prawn
d. Banana Prawn
18.What is the common name of Scylla serrata?
a. Swamp Crab
b. Mud Crab
c. Sand Crab
d. Hermit Crab
b) 19.What is the common name of Panulirus ornatus?
 a. Ornate Spiny Lobster
b. Ornate Greasy Lobster
c. Ornate Red Lobster
d. Ornate Tiger Lobster
20.What is the common name of Perna viridis?
a. Green Mussel
b. Black Mussel
c. Grey Mussel
d. Yellow green Mussel

Prepared By: ELY JAY GOMEZ ENAJE

AFA1 Instructor

Noted:
GEMMA G. ESPINEDA, MBA JELLY M. FLORES, MBA
Prog. Head, BSOA Dept. Prog. Head, BTVTED Dept

CELSO R. REGALIA, Ph.D

College Dean

Approved:

Dr. FRANLIN BEL T. ISIP, En.P

College Administrator