MAHATHMA GANDHI UNIVERSITY

Priyadarshini Hills, Kottayam

SYLLABUS OF

B.Sc. AQUACULTURE 

2009

Course structure for BSc. Aquaculture

Semester – I

Semester – II

 Biology of fishes

Semester I

Course code - AQIF1T1

Biology of fishes

Total hours - 36

Credits – 2

Module 1: Taxonomy  of Fishes                                         (6hrs)

Principles of  classifications, binomial nomenclature and linear hierarchy. Classification of commercially important fishes, crustaceans and molluscs. Morphometric and meristic characters. Body forms.

Module 2: General Characteristics                                 (Hrs  6)

General characters of fishes, crustaceans and molluscs. Sense organs in fishes – organs of smell, taste buds, lateral line system.  Ampullae of lorenzini.  Sound production in fishes. Specialized organs in fishes – electric organs, venom and toxins in fishes. Colouration and Bioluminescence in fishes. Sense organs in crustaceans and molluscs. Buoyancy in fishes-swim bladder and mechanism of gas secretion. Environmental factors and physiological adaptations in fishes.

Module 3: Feeding and Growth                                       (Hrs  6)

Food and feeding habits – herbivores, carnivores and omnivores.  Feeding adaptations methods employed in the study of gut content analysis - volumetric, gravimetric, Points method. Index of preponderance, Age and growth – Techniques used in the study – use of scales and otoliths, length frequency analysis. Length weight relationship. Equations used for deriving growth rates.

Module 4: Reproduction and Migration                         (Hrs  6)

Reproduction – ovary and testes, structure, development of primary and secondary sexual characteristics.  Sexual dimorphism in fishes and crustaceans.  Maturation and spawning in fishes, factors affecting maturation and spawning.  Fecundity, condition factor, size at first maturity.  Oviparous, viviparaous and ovoviviparous fishes.  Parental care and breeding migration in fishes and crustaceans. Biological clocks- diurnal, lunar, circadian and tidal rhythms. Migration in fishes –anadromous and catadromous, homing, instinct and orientation. 

Module 5: Digestion, Respiration and Circulation        (Hrs  6)

Digestive system – General morphological feature of digestive system in fishes, Digestive system and process of digestion in Prawn and mussel. Respiratory system – general description, aquatic respiration,  gaseous exchange, oxygen transport.  Adaptations for air breathing in fishes.  Respiration in crustaceans and molluscs. Cardiovascular system – General features of heart and circulation, circulatory system and oxygen transport in fishes crustaceans and molluscs, respiratory pigments. 

Module 6: Endocrinology and Excretion     (Hrs  6)

Endocrine glands in fishes.  Hormones and their role in control of reproduction in fishes.  Endocrine system in crustacean and molluscs. Role of hormones in reproduction and moulting in crustacean. Excretion and osmoregulation in freshwater and marine fishes. 

 Principles and Methods in Aquaculture

Course code - AQIF1T2

Principles and Methods in Aquaculture

Total hours - 36

Credits - 2

Module 1 Introduction                                                        (6hrs.)

General characters of fishes, adaptations for swimming, body forms, fins.  Structure and function of skin and mucous layer.  Different types of scales and its modifications. Body form and appendages of crustaceans and molluscs. History, definition, scope and significance of aquaculture, comparison of aquaculture with agriculture and commercial fisheries.  Different aquaculture systems.  Aquaculture - Global and Indian Scenario. 

 Module 2: Pond Ecology                               (Hrs 6)

General concepts of ecology, productivity, carrying capacity, food chain and food web. Ecology of culture ponds. Nutrient cycles -­- Nitrogen Phosphorous and Carbon. Laws of limiting factor. Fertilizations and manuring. Liming and application of fertilizers and manures, role of nutrients, the NPK contents of various fertilizers and manures, rate and precautions in the application of fertilizers and manures. Significance and important groups of phytoplankton, zooplankton and benthos in culture ponds. Nutrient dynamics, algal blooms. Selection of site, physico-chemical conditions of soil and water optimum for culture. Management of water and soil quality parameters. Correction of pH, measures for increasing the concentration of oxygen and reducing the concentration of ammonia and hydrogen sulphide. 

Module 3 …Types of ponds                                              (6-hours)       

Type of ponds – hatching, nursery, rearing, stocking and broodstocks – construction and management of culture system, size and depth of ponds, maintenance of ponds – positioning of different types of ponds in a fish farm.

Module 4…Cultivable Freshwater fishes            (Hrs 6)

Criteria for the selection of species, Cultivable freshwater fishes- carps, airbreathing fishes, ornamental fishes, tilapia, trout, freshwater prawn, frogs.  Integrated fish farming, sewage fed fish farms. 

Module 5…Brackishwater culture and mariculture             (Hrs 6)

Brackishwater resources and fishes of commercial importance – Milk fish, mullet, pearl spot, seabass,  shrimps, crabs; selection of site.  Major brackish water culture systems in India, prawn filtration, Basabhanda, kharlands – Different organisms in Mariculture – mussel, edible oyster, pearl oyster and sea weeds. 

Module 6…Fisheries institutes                                                  (Hrs 6)

Different organizations and institutes involved in fisheries and aquaculture research and development – FAO, NACA, SEAFDEC, INFOFISH, World Fish Centre, Bay of Bengal Programme, Institutes under ICAR, CSIR; NABARD, Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Commerce, Aquaculture Authority of India, NRSA, INCOIS etc. State organizations like Matsyafed, FFDA, BFFDA, ADAK, FIRMA and State Fisheries Department.

Freshwater aquaculture

Course code - AQIF1T3

  Total hours - 36

Credits – 2

Module 1: Freshwater Fish Culture                          (Hrs 6)

Various freshwater organisms used for aquaculture in India. Culture of carps- Nursery rearing and stocking ponds – composite fish culture, Preparation of ponds– different methods for the eradication of weed fishes, predators, aquatic insects and aquatic weeds, stocking and post stocking management, harvesting. Culture of air breathing fishes- Channa,  Heteropneustes, Clarius, Anabas. Culture of cold water fishes in India. 

Module 2: Culture of Prawns, Molluscs and Frog          (Hrs 6)

Cultivable species of freshwater prawns and their biology – culture of Macrobrachium rosenbergii., Culture  of cray fish.  Important freshwater molluscs of  Kerala – Biology and culture of Lamellidens marginalis.  Freshwater pearl culture – Present status of freshwater pearl culture and production in India.  Prospects of culturing frog in India.

Module 3:  Aquaculture for stable environment (Hrs 6)

Sewage fed fish culture, sewage treatment,– Sewage cum fish culture in India.  Fish in relation to public health – Larvivores fishes and mosquito eradication using fishes. Reservoir fisheries – major reservoirs in India, measures for increasing production from reservoirs in India and abroad.

Module 4  Integrated Farming                                                      (6Hrs)

Recent development in integrated farming – Rice cum fish culture, Duck cum fish culture, Poultry cum fish culture and Pig cum fish culture. Organic aquafarming.  Fish culture in cages and pens. Running water fish culture.

Module 5:  Polyculture                              (Hrs- 6)                                                

Recent developments in polyculture, Species composition, Ecological and economical advantages.

Module 6 : Systems in freshwater Aquaculture                        (6 hrs)

Fish culture in cages and pens, race way, indoor tanks, canals, silo culture, Aquaponics. Monoculture,  polyculture, composite fish culture.

Core practical – 1

Course  Code - AQIF1P1

Biology of Fishes

Experiments:

1.    Morphometric measurements of fishes

2.    Fin forms of fishes and swimming behaviour

3.    Types of scales, mounting of  placoid, cycloid & ctenoid scales

4.    Adaptation of mouth in relation to the feeding habit.

5.    Examination of structure of gill and assessment of feeding behaviour – sardine/ channa sp.

6.    Mounting of appendages of Prawn

7.    Length – weight analysis of fishes

8.    Dissect and display of alimentary canal of fishes

9.    Dissect and display of alimentary canal/nervous system of prawns

10.     Fecundity estimation in fishes/ prawn and its relationship with length and weight

11.     Estimation of gonado somatic index & determination

12.     Determination of ova diameter

13.     Gut content analysis - demonstration

14.     Estimation of relative length of gut

Collection:

1.    Fishes with different caudal fin form

2.    Collection of fish with different mouth adaptations

3.    Collection of fish with different alimentary canal length.

4.    Collection of fish with different types of scales

Semester – II

Course code - AQIF2T4

 Brackishwater Aquaculture and Mariculture

Total hours - 36

Credits – 2

Module 1: Introduction                                           ( 6 Hrs)

Introduction, history, development and present status of brackishwater farming in India.  Brackishwater as a medium for aquaculture, ecological factors – abiotic and biotic factors.  Selection of site, general planning and design of brackish water farms.

Module 2: Brackishwater Finfish Culture             ( 6 Hrs)

Selection of cultivable species in brackish water systems, their biology and culture practices – monoculture and polyculture of – Chanos chanos, Mugil cephalus,  Lates calcarifer, Etroplus suratensis, Oreochromis mossambicus. Nursery, rearing and grow out in ponds, cages and pens.

Module 3: Crustacean Culture                                ( 6 Hrs)

Species of shrimps cultured in brackishwater and their biology – Penaeus mondon, Penaeus indicus, Penaeus vannamei.  Extensive, semi-intensive and intensive shrimp farming practices.  Species of crabs cultured, biology and culture techniques, prospects in India.  Culture of lobsters – experimental culture and prospects in India.

Module 4: Mariculture                                            ( 6 Hrs)

Ecological subdivisions of the sea. Selection of site and selection of materials for sea farming.  Different designs of open sea farming structures – construction of cages – bioengineering problems and solutions – scope of open sea farming in India. Important fin fishes cultured in the open seas and the culture systems. Present status and recent developments in mariculture. 

Module 5: Molluscan Culture and Seaweed Culture   ( 6 Hrs)

Molluscan culture – species of edible oysters, mussels and clams cultured, culture techniques used for farming edible oysters and mussels. Important species of pearl oysters and method of artificial pearl production.Importance of Echinoderms, Sponges .  Culture of seaweeds, common cultivated species, culture techniques and harvesting. Important seaweed products. 

Module 6: Mariculture and Environment                    ( 6 Hrs)

Environmental impact of brackishwater and coastal aquaculture- effluent discharge, eutrophication, chemical residues including antibiotics and hormones, destruction of  natural habitat including paddy field and mangroves. Corals, its importance and conservation. Social issues and conflicts with other users on resources. Salinity intrusion.  Various farm equipments. Role of aeration in culture ponds. Paddle wheel aerators aspirators, compressors and blowers.  Pumps in aquaculture, different type of pumps.Different components of farms – peripheral dikes, secondary dikes, feeder canals, sluice gate and monks.  Present status and recent developments in mariculture. 

Course code - AQIF 2T5

Hatchery Technology in Aquatic organisms

Total hours - 36

Credits – 2

Module 1: Carp Hatchery                                        (6Hrs )

Hatchery management-seed production of carps. Hypophysation of Indian major carps and exotic carps, history of hypophysation. Pituitary gland. Collection and preservation of gland. Other ovulating agents. Brood stock management, sexing, dosage for injection, mechanism of ovulation. Development of carp eggs, different carp hatcheries.  Nursery rearing of carp seed.

Module 2: Carp Production System                       (6 Hrs )

Production of common carp seeds, breeding techniques, Sundanese, Tjimindi, Rantjapaku and Central Sumatra methods. Methods followed in China and India. Transport of fish seed and broodfishes. Causes of mortality during transport, techniques of transport, open and closed systems, methods of transportation, use of anaesthetics. Carp seed resources in major rivers. Bundh breeding, types of bundh breeding techniques. Problems of bundh breeding.

Module 3: Seed Production of other Fishes           (6 Hrs )

Seed production and nursery rearing of  Onchorhynchus mykiss,  Clarias batrachus, Mugil cephalus, Oreochromis mossambicus, Lates calcarifer, Epinephelus tauvina.

Module 4: Seed Production of Crustaceans and Molluscs   (6Hrs )

Seed production and nursery rearing of Penaeus indicus, Penaeus monodon and Macrobrachium rosenbergii.  Different systems. Design of shrimp hatcheries – various components, equipments and infrastructure facilities required. Mechanical and biological filters. Hatchery operations of pearl oysters, clams, crabs, lobster. Remote setting. Preparation of artificial sea water.

Module 5: Live Feeds                                                (6 Hrs )

Culture of fish food organisms. Major phytoplankton groups- microalgal culture, laboratory methods- isolation, media preparation, kinds of culture- pure, crude, mass culture. Mass culture of chaetoceros.  Artemia – different strains, hatching, decapsulation, enrichment and production of artemia cyst. Culture of rotifers and cladocerans.

Module 6: Hatchery Management                        (6 Hrs.)

Components and general design of hatcheries.  Selection criteria for broodstock and brood stock management.  Water quality monitoring and management.  Quarantine and disease management in hatcheries.  Quality assessment of seeds. 

Course code – AQIF2T6

Fishing Methods

Total hours - 36

Credits – 2

Module 1: Fishing Crafts                                              (6 Hrs.)

            Different types of fishing crafts in India- inland and marine– traditional, motorized and mechanized. Recent statistics of each category- country crafts, trawlers, gill netters, purse seiners, long liners, trollers, deep sea vessels. Boat building materials - wood, steel, FRP, ferro-cement, aluminum etc.

Module 2: Fishing Gears                                             (6 Hrs.)

Introduction, principle and evolution of fishing methods and gear.  Factors affecting the design of fishing gears and fish catching methods. Fishing accessories.   Introduction to netting materials - natural and synthetic fishing gear materials.  Yarn numbering systems.

Module 3: Active Fishing Gears                                   (6 Hrs.)

Classification and description of modern fishing gears.- Design and operation of – trawls,  purse seines, ring seines, beach / shore seine, boat seine, pole and line, squid jigs, trolling.

Module 4: Passive and Traditional Fishing Gears    (6 Hrs.)

Design and operation of- gill nets, long lines, hooks, traps, stake net, dol net, chinese dip nets, cast nets.  Destructive and Prohibited fishing practices, fishing methods like electrical fishing, poisoning and use of dynamites. 

Module 5: Fish Aggregating Devises and Artificial Reefs       (6 Hrs.)

Fish aggregating devices and artificial reefs. Light fishing and Lantern fishing. Impact of artificial reefs on fish stock improvement.

Module 6: Fish Finding Devices and Conservation.        (6 Hrs.)

Introductory information on echo-sounder, sonar, net sonde, global positioning systems, remote sensing, potential fishing zones (EEZ) Turtle Exclusion Devices (TED) - By-catch Reduction Devices (BRD).

 Course code - AQIF2P2

Water and Soil Quality Parameters

Total hours - 36

Credits – 1

 Experiments:

1.    Determination of salinity by refractometer

2.    Determination of water pH- Paper, indicator, pH meter methods

3.    Determination of alkalinity

4.    Determination of hardness of water

5.    Determination of dissolved oxygen

6.    Estimation of primary productivity

7.    Determination of organic carbon in pond soil

8.    Determination of nitrite / nitrate - demonstration

9.    Determination of phosphate in pond water - demonstration

10.     Determination of soil pH

11.     Calculation of lime requirement

12.     Grain size analysis of soil

13.     Determination of Secchi disc transparency of water

Filed visit:

1.    Visit to aqua farms for water and soil sample collection