Research in Fish Polyculture Worldwide: Global Patterns, Trends, Knowledge Gaps, and Future Directions

ABSTRACT Fish polyculture is the concurrent rearing of multiple fish species within the same aquaculture system. It represents one of the oldest and most adaptable strategies for enhancing aquatic food production. While its ecological and economic potential is widely acknowledged, a comprehensive understanding of global patterns of research on fish polyculture remains lacking. This study provides a systematic synthesis of scientific literature over 55 years (i.e., published between 1968 and 2023), following the PSALSAR methodology. Using the Web of Science database, 889 peer‐reviewed articles were screened, of which 220 met inclusion criteria. Each study was analyzed for species composition, production systems, research objectives, and management strategies. Results show a strong geographic bias, with research predominantly originating from Asia, while Africa, Europe, and the Americas remain underrepresented. Freshwater pond systems dominated the research landscape, and most studies focused on growth performance and yield optimization rather than ecological or socioeconomic outcomes. However, recent publications indicate a shift toward sustainability‐oriented approaches, including integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture, biofloc systems, and rice–fish ecosystems. Analyses revealed emerging research themes linking species diversity, nutrient recycling, and ecological efficiency. This review provides the first global overview of fish polyculture research, highlighting major trends as well as global and regional gaps. Future work should emphasize ecosystem function, animal welfare, and the integration of circular economy principles to enhance the contribution of fish polyculture to sustainable aquaculture development.