Fishponds are not just a hole in the ground containing water. They are unnatural water environments that farmers must manage in order to produce profitable fish harvests. Ponds should provide a good environment for fish to live in, all requirements for fish to live a healthy life, grow well and reproduce well. The pond water must be free from diseases, toxic chemicals and other fish enemies; and ponds fish should get sufficient fresh air and food. Physical characteristics of fishponds affect water quality and influence their production potential for the farmers. They have to be sited in locations where they can be managed well to achieve the highest production potential. The following technology from the Aquaculture Technical Manual describes how to build a good fish pond.