China has long been known for manure-based integrated multiple species fish farming technology. The traditional Chinese system of polyculture, stocking fish with fingerlings of different species of fish with different food habits, at a ratio determined by the quantity and quality of natural food available in the pond, has been practiced with a view to utilizing all the natural food available, thus maximizing fish production per unit area of pond surface. The Chinese major carps, such as silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), bighead carp (Arigtichthys nobilis), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus), mud carp (Cirrhina molitorella), Crucian carp (Cyprinus carpio) and common carp (Cyprimus carpio), are widely cultured in these ponds wherever traditional markets exist. The challenges faced by the Chinese system of polyculture include genetic degeneration of the Chinese major carps, deterioration of pond eco-systems, frequent occurrences of fish diseases, poor quality feeds, poor growth performance, environmental pollution and serious market competition. Aquaculture production technologies are experiencing a revolution, rapidly expanding and undergoing change to higher valued species and higher technology levels, due to pressures on the Chinese government and producers for improved economic and resource efficiency and for environmental concerns. In the 21st century, profitable and sustainable aquaculture will become the major concern for fish producers in China.

KEY WORDS: Chinese major carps, traditional polyculture system, profitable and sustainable aquaculture.