In these systems, T. pectoralis recorded negative net
productions. This was mainly the result of a
negative specific growth rate (SGR) when fish had
to stay in the trench (±0.519% body weight day±1)
or when fish had free access to the rice crop
(±0.081). Only when harvested rice plants were
allowed to generate new tillers (ratooning) did
T. pectoralis perform slightly better (0.453% body
weight day±1). The SGR of T. pectoralis was low
owing to a lack of food in intensive rice systems. The
other species, all with SGR values higher than 1%
body weight day±1, clearly had a competitive
advantage over T. pectoralis. We concluded that
intensification of rice cropping did indeed result in
poor T. pectoralis growth. Successful T. pectoralis
culture is only possible in areas of traditional rice
cropping.