Some ecological aspects of fish populations in tropical ricefields

Fish yields from the captural method of rice-fish farming system were monitored from 1985 to 1987. Seven species were obtained, with Trichogaster pectoralis, Clarias macrocephalus, and Channa striatus dominant and economically important. Low number of species is due to double cropping of rice resulting in increased human activities. The maximum yield obtained, 174.6 kg ha^–1, is probably near the maximum for this type of rice-fish farming and the harvests have also stabilised when compared to those obtained in the early 1970s. Fish populations included more than one year-class in each harvest. A decline in individual weight, especially of herbivores, was recorded and correlated to the abundance of the species, and hence, to food supply.