The comparison of replacement ratio of Indian major carp with conventional carps in earthen pond in climatic condition of Khuzestan province

In May 2009, the fingerlings of Indian major carps, (i.e., catla (Catla catla), rohu (Labeo rohita), mrigal (Cirrhinus mirigala)) were conducted with mean weight 25.4±4.1g, 36.6±3.5g and 58.8±4.5g, respectively. Fingerlings of Indian major carps were cultured the fingerlings of chinese carps. According to the randomized complete block design with 4 treatments and 3 replications in earthen ponds. Four treatments were defined in species ratios and combinations.Treatment-1(T1) with 30 % of Indian major carps (catla, rohu and mrigal) and 70 % of Chinese carps phytophage (Hypophthalmic molitrix), big head (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) and amur (Ctenopharyngodon idella)) with common carp, treatment-2 (T2) with 50% of Indian major carps and 50% of Chinese carps treatment-3 (T3) with 70% of Indian major carps and 30% of Chinese carps with common carp and treatment-4 (control treatment) with 100% of Chinese carps (with common density and combination in Khuzestan Province). Eevery 45 days, biometry was carried out by using the case net in earthen ponds. The culture period was for six month from May to November. The maximum net production of fishes was obtained inTreatment-2 (50% of Indian major carps) with mean harvest 4254.9 kg/ha. The experimental treatments were not significant with each other and control treatment. In end of culture, mean (SD) weight obtained for rohu, catla and mrigal were 1136±16, 726±122 and 773±89g in T1, were 1129±85, 902±78 and 788±125g in T2 and were 1054±38, 839±168g and 849±106g in T3, respectively. Statistical analysis showed no significantly different in total weight of fish harvest in treatments with control group (customary culture in Iran). However, this experiment determined that Indian major carp could increase production and diversity in warm water fish culture in Iran. *Corresponding author.