The fish culture practices applied in the lower Sao Francisco River Valley are described. The principal species cultivated is "curimata paou", Proohilodus argenteus, although t'piau verdadeiro", Leporinus piau, and 'mandf amarelo", Pimelodus olariast are also farmed. Fingerlings are obtained from natural stocks in lateral lakes, and are stocked at rates of 700-900/ha. Supplementary feeding is not provided, although approximately one half of the pond surface area is maintained with vegetation to supply natural food. Harvesting and marketing aspects are considered. An economic evaluation of a typical fish culture operation is given, when it is seen that the annual net profit is B.Cr. 2466/ha as compared with B.Cr. I 200/ha for rice. The need for fuarther research and technical assistance is stressed.