Evaluation of milkfish (Chanos chanos Forskal) and prawn (Penaeus monodon Fabricius) in polyculture systems

Abstract

The growth, survival and profitability of C. chanos and P. monodon grown in 5 different combinations for 100 days in 500m² brackish water ponds were assessed. Differences in the growth and production of prawns cultured singly or in combination with milkfish at increasing stocking density strongly suggests that the presence of milkfish exerts some negative effect on prawn. However, growth production and competition index data suggest that the presence of prawn do not significantly affect milkfish. While the maximum production of prawn can be attained in monoculture, its polyculture with 2000 milkfish/ha is also economically feasible.