Picture Credit: thart2009 (Flickr)
February 26, 2018 Fish 8,835 Comments

Two big questions a new aquaponics farmer need to ask himself are:

1. What plants should I grow
2. What fish should I use

The topic of aquaponic fish is not as simple as the plants as unlike plants, there are restrictions regarding non-native species so you will need to check with your local fisheries department to see what is available and legal in your area.

There are several different types of fish you can use in aquaponics systems, which is why we have split the topic into 2 separate blog posts…stay tuned for part 2!

Tilapia

Tilapia is the most commonly raised fish in aquaponics because they are very hardy, grow quickly and are popular as a food. They also do well in a mid-temperature water which is compatible with most aquaponics vegetable crops. Having said this, they are highly adaptable and tolerant to varying water temperatures which makes them an excellent choice.

Conditions:

Dissolved oxygen – Tilapia can survive with oxygen levels as low as 0.5mg/L. The ideal range is 3 – 5 mg.L.

Temperature: The ideal temperature is 26.6°C (80°F) , but they will thrive in water that is between 17°C -32°C.

Feed: Most kinds of Tilapia are omnivorous. Usually in large aquaponics systems they are fed a pelleted food which is widely available in most parts of the world.

Hardiness: Tilapia are probably the hardiest of all cultured fish. They can withstand low oxygen,, high ammonia and conditions toxic to other fish. They are also highly resilient to diseases and parasites and thrive in varied water quality conditions.

Growth rate: Under preferred conditions a tilapia can grow to 2.5 pounds in 6 months, this is fast in comparison to most other cultured fish.

Largemouth Bass

Picture Credit: USFWS Mountain Prairie (Flickr)

Picture Credit: USFWS Mountain Prairie (Flickr)

The largemouth Bass is more sensitive to imperfect water conditions than tilapia, so farmers wishing to raise this fish need to take special care when monitoring conditions and filtration in the tanks.
There is often strong demand with buyers paying premium price for this fish, so many farmers feel the extra effort is worth it.

Conditions:

Dissolved Oxygen – Levels between 4 – 10mg/L are required.

Temperature – Bass can survive a temperature range of 4 – 32°C (39 – 90°F)

Feed – Young baby bass need to be trained to eat pelleted food. Either a specific bass feed or most trout feeds are suitable.

Hardiness – Bass are also more sensitive to poor conditions than trout or catfish. Things to be mindful of are rough handling, bright lighting and poor nutrition.

Growth Rate – Producing a fish ready for sale takes from 15 – 18 months. If starting with larger fingerlings (from 4-5 inches length) a market-size fish can be grown in 5 – 6 months, if the right conditions are kept.

Blue Gill

Picture Credit: Corvair Owner (Flickr)

Picture Credit: Corvair Owner (Flickr)

Also known as bream, brim or copper nose. The name blue gill comes from the bright blue edging on its gill rakers. They can grow up to 16 inches long, and they generally do very well in aquaponics systems.

Conditions:

Dissolved Oxygen – required in the range of 4 – 10mg/L.

Temperature – Blue gill can survive within 4 – 32°C (39 – 90°F). The ideal temperature for growth in an adult fish is about 80°F.

Feed – Pelleted food is to be used from the beginning.

Also see: What type of Aquaponic fish to use? – Part 2

Aquaponics in India will soon be offering consultancy services. Please get in touch for more information.

Written by Pippa Woodhead
Being a health-nut, London born Pippa has struggled to adjust to the lack of availability of lettuce and kale since re-locating to India. Previously naive to the extent of the worlds food struggles, she has now become obsessed with sustainability in food production and especially in India where it needs it the most (plus she’s also hoping to get her hands on some kale any day now). When she’s not writing for Aquaponics in India, she is usually found with her head in a book or in the kitchen experimenting with new vegetarian recipes.