AQU 201: Principles of Aquaculture
Credit Hours: 2 (1+1)
Full Marks: 50 (Theory: 25, Practical: 25)
Course Objectives
Upon completion, students will be able to:
- Explain characteristics of cultivable and cultured fish species.
- Manage water quality and pond systems.
- Apply principles of fish breeding, nursing, and rearing.
- Identify common fish diseases, parasites, and their control.
I. Syllabus Overview
- Definition and biological characteristics of fish.
- Water quality management.
- Pond management and fish farming systems.
- Fish breeding, nursing, and rearing.
- Common fish diseases and parasites.
II. Course Outline
A. Theory (15 Lectures)
| S.N. | Topic | No. of Lectures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction: Definition of fish, fishery, aquaculture, general characteristics, desirable culture traits, importance of fish | 1 |
| 2 | Biology of cultivated fish species: morphology, feeding habits, growth, reproductive behavior of Common carp, Chinese carps, Indigenous major carps, Tilapia, Trout, Catfishes, Sahar, Silver barb, Freshwater prawn | 2 |
| 3 | Water quality management: Physical (Temperature, Turbidity), Chemical (DO, pH), Biological (Plankton) | 2 |
| 4 | Pond management: Site selection, Liming, Fertilization, Feed and feeding, Aquatic weeds and predator control | 3 |
| 5 | Fish farming systems: Classification based on intensity, enclosure, species, and integration | 2 |
| 6 | Fish breeding: Principles, breeding of common carp, Chinese carp, indigenous major carps, seed rearing, and transportation | 3 |
| 7 | Common fish diseases and parasites: Saprolegniasis, Tail/Fin rot, White spot disease, Dactylogyrosis, Argulosis, Asphyxiation – causes, symptoms, control | 2 |
| Total | 15 |
B. Practical (15 Practicals)
| S.N. | Topic | No. of Practicals |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visit to a fish farm | 1 |
| 2 | Morphology of cultivated fishes of Nepal | 1 |
| 3 | Anatomy of fish: internal organs, alimentary canal, gills, gonads | 1 |
| 4 | Pond types and measurement of a typical pond | 1 |
| 5 | Pond liming and fertilization | 1 |
| 6 | Water quality measurements: temperature, transparency, DO, pH | 1 |
| 7 | Feed formulation and feeding | 1 |
| 8 | Study of different fish farming systems | 1 |
| 9 | Common carp breeding | 3 |
| 10 | Study of fishing gears and pond netting | 1 |
| 11 | Examination of skin and gills | 1 |
| 12 | Identification of common drugs and chemicals for fish health management | 1 |
| 13 | Lab wrap up | 1 |
| Total | 15 |
References
- Augusty, K.T. (1979). Fish Farming in Nepal. Archana Printers & Publishers, India.
- ICAR. (2006). Handbook of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi.
- Jha, D.K. (1991). Laboratory Manual of Fish Disease. Tribhuvan University, IAAS, Rampur.
- Jhingran, V.G. & Pullin, R.S.V. (1985). A Hatchery Manual for Common, Chinese, and Indian Major Carps. Asian Development Bank, ICLARM, Manila, Philippines.
- NACA. (1989). Integrated Fish Farming in China Technical Manual 7. Bangkok, Thailand.
- Shrestha, M.K. & Pandit, N.P. (2012). Text Book of Principles of Aquaculture (2nd Edition). IAAS, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal.
- Shrestha, T.K. & Jha, D.K. (1993). Introduction to Fish Culture. IAAS, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal.
- Woynarovich, E. & Horvath, L. (1984). The Artificial Propagation of Warm Water Finfishes: A Manual for Extension.
