Before we go down the fish selection road, be aware that the fish harvest/sale is considered to be a bonus from the system, not the main source of income. While you grow 1 kg of fish, that one kilo of fish might have produced 100kg of vegetables. It takes anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to grow a fish, while a leafy lettuce takes 30 days to harvest, and you’ll have many of them.
There are many different types of fish that can be raised in an aquaponics system, and the best type of fish for a particular system will depend on a number of factors, including the climate, the size of the system, and the specific goals of the grower. Some common types of fish that are suitable for aquaponics systems include:
- Tilapia: Tilapia is a popular choice for aquaponics systems because they are hardy, fast-growing, and tolerate a wide range of warmer water temperatures. Tilapia are also relatively easy to care for, and can be raised on a variety of feed types.
- Trout: Trout are another popular choice for aquaponics systems, but they can be harder to care for, while having a high feed conversion rate. Trout demands colder water temperatures and very clean water compared to tilapia. They also tend to eat their smaller friends.
- Catfish: Catfish are a popular choice for aquaponics systems because they are hardy, easy to care for, and tolerate a wide range of water temperatures. Catfish are also relatively fast-growing, and can be raised on a variety of feed types.
- Barramundi: Barramundi are a popular choice for aquaponics systems because they are fast-growing, easy to care for, and have a high feed conversion rate. Barramundi also tolerate a wide range of water temperatures, and can be raised in both warm and cold water systems.
- Perch: Perch are a popular choice for aquaponics systems because they are hardy, easy to care for, and tolerate a wide range of water temperatures. Perch are also relatively fast-growing, and can be raised on a variety of feed types.
Overall, there are many different types of fish that are suitable for aquaponics systems, and the best type of fish for a particular system will depend on the system it self and the location. You wouldn’t want to chill the water down for trout in Sahara, and you wouldn’t want to heat the water up for tilapia on the south pole. Using local fish types(or same temperature) would probably be most beneficial for your wallet in the long run.
In addition to tilapia, trout, catfish, barramundi, and perch, there are several other types of fish that are suitable for aquaponics systems, including:
- Bass: Bass are a popular choice for aquaponics systems because they are hardy, fast-growing, and tolerate a wide range of water temperatures. Bass are also relatively easy to care for, and can be raised on a variety of feed types.
- Crappie: Crappie are a popular choice for aquaponics systems because they are hardy, easy to care for, and tolerate a wide range of water temperatures. Crappie are also relatively fast-growing, and can be raised on a variety of feed types.
- Koi: Koi are a popular choice for aquaponics systems because they are hardy, easy to care for, and tolerate a wide range of water temperatures. Koi are also relatively slow-growing, and are often used more for decorative purposes than for food production. Selling live high value koi could potentially be more lucrative than selling other fish for food.
- Goldfish: Goldfish are a popular choice for aquaponics systems because they are hardy, easy to care for, and tolerate a wide range of water temperatures. Goldfish are also relatively slow-growing, and are often used more for decorative purposes than for food production.
- Salmon: Salmon are a popular choice for aquaponics systems because they are fast-growing, easy to care for, and have a high feed conversion rate. Salmon also tolerate a wide range of water temperatures, and can be raised in both warm and cold water systems.
- Ornamental fish: Most fish used in aquariums can also be used in an aquaponics system, but beware smaller fish that can enter the pump intake. A small filter on the pump can solve this problem, but can clog faster and need additional maintenance. Aquarium fish can also be easier to sell(less bureaucracy) and often grow faster and easy to breed.
Overall, there are many different types of fish that are suitable for aquaponics systems, and the best type of fish for a particular system will depend on the specific needs and goals of the grower.