In 1991, a survey was made of 1,300 ponds and ditches, covering about 1,200 square meters, in Bangladesh to assess the small water bodies' potential for aquaculture. Almost half of the small water bodies were individually owned and operated; the remainder, covering 70% of the examined water body area, were under multiple and public (khas) ownership (often seen as a hindrance to the adoption of improved aquaculture practices). About 65% of the ponds were being used for aquaculture, but almost none used good husbandry methods. Nearly three-quarters of the water bodies could retain 0.9-1.2 m depth of water during the dry season and were useful for fish farming, although most were subject to other uses, particularly bathing and washing. in nearly all farmed water bodies, carps (Labeo rohita, Catla catla and Cirrhinus mrigala) were used with average yields of 270-280 kg per ha. Productivity of ponds decreased with increasing pond size and with increasing numbers of owners of the pond. Some pond operators reported that lack of understanding among the co-owners (29%) and inadequate working capital (33%) impeded the adoption of aquaculture in small water bodies. However, the ponds in which aquaculture was already being practiced or that had aquaculture potential would not need any major structural alterations. Only a few of the pond operators received extension advice, although most would invest in aquaculture if pond extension services were available. It appears that the prospects to improve aquaculture in small water bodies in Bangladesh are bright, especially if short-cycle species are used in the smaller or seasonal water bodies. (Author abstract)