Aquaponics utilizes fish waste to nourish plants in a naturally enriched ecosystem, resulting in a pioneering farming technique. The plants and nitrifying bacteria eliminate harmful substances such as ammonia and other nitrogen compounds from the water, ensuring a habitat conducive for fish to thrive in. Different types of herbivorous, omnivorous, and freshwater fish can be employed for aquaponics. Our top-notch selection of aquaponic fishes is based on their sustainability, ease of maintenance, and the scale of your system.
Getting Started: How To Choose Your Aquaponic Fish
Prior to randomly selecting a fish species that appears suitable for your aquaponics system, there are numerous significant factors to take into account:
Requirements for space
When selecting the appropriate fish for your aquaponic system, two critical factors to consider are the system’s available space and the suitable space required for the fish species to flourish.
Capable of being eaten or not suitable for consumption.
One of the critical factors to consider before choosing a fish species to invest in for your aquaponic system is if they are suitable for consumption.
Would you like to have fish for consumption or for trading purposes? Alternatively, are you interested in having fish that are capable of providing sufficient nutrients for your plants and surviving for a significant duration?
The ability to withstand harsh conditions or difficult situations.
There are certain types of fish that exhibit greater resilience than others, being able to withstand sudden variations in temperature and environmental conditions.
Some species are very sensitive and require habitats that are specifically designed and monitored to ensure their day-to-day environment remains constant with minimal alterations.
Size of the system
Aquaponic systems come in varying sizes, ranging from small setups that can conveniently fit in a spare room to enormous commercial setups that require acres of outdoor space.
The size of the entire operation must be considered when selecting the most suitable fish for your setup.
The capacity for reproduction.
Like all other categories of creatures, each distinct fish species possesses specific breeding habits and prerequisites.
Cultivating certain fish can be challenging as they need lower water temperatures to reproduce than others, and doing so may require a significant drop in temperature that could harm your plants.
Fish typically reproduce in water that is of the same temperature as their regular habitat.
The breeding capabilities of fish vary from one species to another, particularly in terms of frequency and quantity of offspring per breeding.
Duration of life
Fish have a broad range of lifespans; some live only a handful of years, whereas others can exist for as long as 40 or more years.
Ensure that you are aware of the lifespan of the fish that you plan to include in your aquaponic cultivation setup.
Best Fish for Warm Climate Aquaponics
Australian Bass
- Ideal Temperature: 50? to 79?
- Edible? Yes
- Time To Reach Harvest Size: 3 to 5 years
- Can Be Kept With Other Fish? Yes
- Ideal pH: 6.5 to 7.8
The spunky fish are prevalent in coastal rivers located in the southeastern region of Australia. Their weight typically ranges from 2 to 7 pounds, and their length grows between 13.5 to 23.5 inches.
Pros:
- Great for both warm and cooler climates.
- Are friendly enough with other fish.
- Can be eaten.
Drawbacks:
- Take a few years to mature.
Catfish
- Ideal Temperature: 50? to 80?
- Edible? Yes
- Time To Reach Harvest Size: 18 months to 2 years
- Can Be Kept With Other Fish? Yes
- Ideal pH: 5.0 to 7.0
Man has discovered more than 3,000 types of catfish, among which are those that can survive for up to 60 years.
Catfish have a weight range that spans from slightly over one pound to more than 200 pounds and can extend in length anywhere from three feet to just over eight feet.
Advantages:
- Tons of species to pick from.
- Work well in both warm and cool climates.
- Diverse enough for systems of any size.
- Work well indoors and out.
Disadvantages:
- Not all species are good eating.
Bluegill
- Ideal Temperature: 65? to 90?
- Edible? Yes
- Time To Reach Harvest Size: 3 to 10 years
- Can Be Kept With Other Fish? Yes
- Ideal pH: 6.5 to 8.5
Bluegill, also called “sunny” and “brim,” are freshwater fish that offer both enjoyment in catching and tastiness as food.
Their length typically reaches around 7 inches and their weight ranges from 1 to 2 pounds, with slight variations.
Benefits:
- Does well in much warmer water than others.
- Takes quite a while to mature.
- Gets along well with other fish.
Cons:
- Don’t give as big as many harvestable fish.
Hybrid Striped Bass
- Ideal Temperature: 60? to 70?
- Edible? Yes
- Time To Reach Harvest Size: 2 years
- Can Be Kept With Other Fish? Yes
- Ideal pH: 7.0 to 8.5
Hybrid striped bass, resulting from crossbreeding between striped and white bass, can grow up to 30 inches in length and weigh over 20 pounds.
However, their typical size ranges from 10 to 15 inches in length and their weight falls between 2 and 5 pounds.
Advantages:
- Get rather large.
- Mature faster than some large fish.
- Can live with catfish and other species.
Negatives:
- Not as popular as other types of bass.
Tilapia
- Ideal Temperature: 80? to 85?
- Edible? Yes
- Time To Reach Harvest Size: 8 months
- Can Be Kept With Other Fish? Yes
- Ideal pH: 6.0 to 9.0
One of the most desirable fish breeds in the world is widely available in local grocery stores and a common menu item in seafood restaurants.
When fully grown, Tilapia can reach a length of up to 8 inches and weigh approximately 1 pound.
Advantages:
- Extremely popular to eat.
- Lots of economic potential.
- Easy to raise, with a quick maturity rate.
Disadvantages:
- May be an over-farmed species.
Silver Perch
- Ideal Temperature: 73? to 82?
- Edible? Yes
- Time To Reach Harvest Size: 10 to 12 months
- Can Be Kept With Other Fish? No
- Ideal pH: 6.5 and 9.0
Silver perch are an excellent choice for aquaponics as they thrive when kept in groups and can reach a length of 15 inches or more.
At their maximum maturity, they have the potential to exceed 2 pounds in weight.
Benefits:
- Large capacity for breeding.
- Grow into large adults.
- Quick maturity rate.
Disadvantages:
- Aren’t very adaptable to cooler water.
Tetra
- Ideal Temperature: 75? to 80?
- Edible? No
- Can Be Kept With Other Fish? Only smaller and nonaggressive breeds
- Ideal pH: 6.8 to 7.8
The tetra is also among the preferred types of fish for aquaponics. Although they are not fit for consumption due to their small size of 1.25 inches and weight of only a tenth of a gram.
Although they hold some market value as pets, they are also low maintenance.
Advantages:
- Loads of subspecies to choose from.
- Some retail market value as pet fish.
- Easy to raise and breed.
Disadvantages:
- Aren’t for raising in multi-species tanks.
Best Fish for Cold Climate Aquaponics
Arctic Char
- Ideal Temperature: 60? to 62.5?
- Edible? Yes
- Time To Reach Harvest Size: Up to 15 years
- Can Be Kept With Other Fish? No
- Ideal pH: 5.0 to 9.0
Although not widely recognized for aquaponics, this variety of fish is highly suitable for colder temperatures.
The length of Arctic char ranges from 3 to 8 inches, while their weight can vary from half a pound to more than 5 pounds.
Advantages:
- One of the best fish for cooler water.
- Easy to manage.
- Decent retail markets exist in regional locations.
Drawbacks:
- Does not do well in warm water.
- Takes many years to fully mature.
Smallmouth Bass
- Ideal Temperature: 60? to 79?
- Edible? Yes
- Time To Reach Harvest Size: 3 to 5 years
- Can Be Kept With Other Fish? Yes
- Ideal pH: 7.4 to 8.1
The smallmouth bass is a highly sought-after fish for both sport fishing enthusiasts and those seeking a suitable fish for aquaponics.
Their length commonly exceeds one foot and they typically range in weight from 1 to 5 pounds.
Advantages:
- A fan favorite of fishermen.
- Do well in cool and slightly warmer waters.
- Are able to live with other species.
Drawbacks:
- Takes a few years to reach maturity.
Koi
- Ideal Temperature: 59? to 77?
- Edible? No
- Can Be Kept With Other Fish? Only larger adult fish
- Ideal pH: 7.0 to 8.0
Koi, a stunning type of fish commonly spotted in home ponds and ornamental fish tanks, are additionally a superb option for aquaponic setups.
These fish can grow up to 24 inches in length and weigh between 9 and 12 pounds.
Advantages:
- Beautiful fish.
- High retail value as ornamental fish.
- Do well in tanks with other large species.
Drawbacks:
- Aren’t for eating.
Murray Cod
- Ideal Temperature: 65? to 70?
- Edible? Yes
- Time To Reach Harvest Size: 4 to 5 years
- Can Be Kept With Other Fish? No
- Ideal pH: 6.8 to 7.0
Murray cod fish in their natural habitat can grow to massive sizes, frequently exceeding 200 pounds and extending up to 6 feet in length.
Aquaponic systems can produce fish that range in length from 21.5 to 25.5 inches and have weights between 4.5 and 11 pounds.
Advantages:
- One of the larger aquaponic species.
- Easy to breed.
- Works well in cool water.
Drawbacks:
- Takes a few years to reach maturity.
Trout
- Ideal Temperature: 49? to 67?
- Edible? Yes
- Time To Reach Harvest Size: 12 to 14 months
- Can Be Kept With Other Fish? No
- Ideal pH: 6.5 to 8.0
An aquaponic trout typically reaches a maximum length of 20 to 24 inches and a weight of 6 to 8 pounds on average.
Trout, a freshwater creature found in the wilderness, can grow up to more than 4 feet in length and weigh a staggering 50 pounds or even higher.
Advantages:
- High-value fish.
- Produce large amounts of fish easily.
- Matures rather quickly.
Drawbacks:
- Not for very warm waters.
Yabbies
- Ideal Temperature: 50? to 68?
- Edible? Yes
- Time To Reach Harvest Size: 1 year or more
- Can Be Kept With Other Fish? Yes
- Ideal pH: 7.5 to 10.5
During summertime in Australia, it is a popular activity to catch yabbies. These small, 1-inch-long creatures resembling lobsters are valuable for producing nutrients for plants in aquaponics.
Yabbies, in essence, are a type of crayfish found in Australia that are effortless to raise, sociable, and only weigh one ounce.
Advantages:
- Easy to get started with.
- Simple to breed.
- Work well in cool to slightly warmer waters.
Drawbacks:
- Short lifespan.
Salmon
- Ideal Temperature: 49? to 68?
- Edible? Yes
- Time To Reach Harvest Size: 14 to 24 months
- Can Be Kept With Other Fish? No
- Ideal pH: 7.5 to 8.0
Chances are that you have encountered salmon, either knowingly or unknowingly.
That would be the fish that photographers adore capturing on camera, featuring a reddish-pink underside, and frequently observed protruding from a bear’s jaws.
Large-scale aquaponics is a good match for them due to their substantial market worth and effective performance.
Advantages:
- Great for cooler waters.
- Very easy to breed.
- High-value fish.
Disadvantages:
- May take a couple of years to mature.
Best Fish for Large Aquaponic Setups
Carp
- Ideal Temperature: 77? to 82.5?
- Edible? Yes
- Time To Reach Harvest Size: 10 to 14 months
- Can Be Kept With Other Fish? Yes
- Ideal pH: 7.5 to 8.0
The perception of carp as either a prized delicacy or a worthless fish largely depends on the geographical location.
Despite any personal opinions, they are excellent for use as stock in aquaponic fish tanks. Their size and weight range widely, from 1.5 to 2.5 feet and 4.5 to over 30 pounds.
Advantages:
- May or may not have market value.
- Works well with larger aquaponic operations.
Drawbacks:
- Not good for cool water.
Crappie
- Ideal Temperature: 68? to 72?
- Edible? Yes
- Time To Reach Harvest Size: 2 to 4 years
- Can Be Kept With Other Fish? Yes (but they may eat most of the food)
- Ideal pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Crappie is another enjoyable fish to catch, and it is also suitable for aquaponics. Typically, crappies reach a length of 6 to 21 inches and weigh between ½ and 5 pounds.
Advantages:
- Easy to manage and care for.
- Works in tanks with other types of fish.
Drawbacks:
- Can take several years to mature.
Largemouth Bass
- Ideal Temperature: 59? to 82?
- Edible? Yes
- Time To Reach Harvest Size: 3 to 4 years
- Can Be Kept With Other Fish? Yes
- Ideal pH: 6.5 to 8.5
When it comes to fishing for enjoyable species, largemouth bass is a top pick for many anglers.
When kept in aquariums, these fish can grow to be anywhere from 15 to 20 inches long. Typically, their weight ranges from 4 to 10 pounds.
Advantages:
- Works well in cool and warm waters.
- Produces large amounts of fish.
- Ok with other fish in the same tank.
Drawbacks:
- Takes a few years to mature.
Red Ear Sunfish
- Ideal Temperature: 65? to 68?
- Edible? Yes
- Time To Reach Harvest Size: 3 to 5 years
- Can Be Kept With Other Fish? Yes
- Ideal pH: 7.0 to 8.5
Red ear sunfish, also referred to as “shellcracker” and “cherry gill,” can grow up to 10 inches in aquaponic reservoirs.
Their weight is usually within the range of 0.25 to 2 pounds.
Advantages:
- Works well for cool waters.
- Works in tanks with other fish.
Disadvantages:
- Not the greatest fish for warm waters.
- Takes up to several years to mature.
Pacu
- Ideal Temperature: 76? to 82?
- Edible? Yes
- Time To Reach Harvest Size: 1 year or more
- Can Be Kept With Other Fish? Yes (but prefer their own species)
- Ideal pH: 6.0 to 8.0
Pacu are a highly favored fish species for aquaponics due to their simplified requirements for care and breeding.
These creatures can measure anywhere between 6 inches to 2 feet in length, sometimes even bigger, and can weigh an astounding 30 pounds or more.
Advantages:
- Very easy to care for.
- Fish produce a lot of meat.
- Works well in warm water.
Drawbacks:
- Not great for cooler waters.
Jade Perch
- Ideal Temperature: 75? to 80?
- Edible? Yes
- Time To Reach Harvest Size: 6 months to 1 year
- Can Be Kept With Other Fish? Yes
- Ideal pH: 6.0 to 8.0
The type of perch known as jade is also suitable for aquaponics. Although they may not thrive as well with different strains, they are still highly preferable.
Their typical size ranges between 10 and 15.5 inches while their weight commonly falls between 10 ounces and 1 pound.
Advantages:
- Good for eating.
- Quick maturity rate.
- Can be raised with other species.
Downsides:
- Not great for cool water.
Barramundi
- Ideal Temperature: 77? to 82.5?
- Edible? Yes
- Time To Reach Harvest Size: 6 months to 2 years
- Can Be Kept With Other Fish? Yes
- Ideal pH: 7.2 to 7.8
Despite being kept in tanks, these Asian sea bass still grow to an impressive size of 2 to 3.9 feet in length, which is quite substantial for a fish.
Their weight ranges from 13 pounds to more than 30 pounds. When in their natural habitat, they can grow up to 6 feet in length and weigh over 130 pounds.
Advantages:
- One of the biggest aquaponic fish.
- Produce enormous amounts of meat.
- Good for eating.
Drawbacks:
- Not good for cooler waters.
Sturgeon
- Ideal Temperature: 68? to 79?
- Edible? Yes
- Time To Reach Harvest Size: 5 to 7 years
- Can Be Kept With Other Fish? Yes
- Ideal pH: 6.5 to 8.0
Sturgeon, when provided with sufficient oxygen and a dependable food supply, are among the simplest fish to maintain in an aquaponic system, and they have the potential to survive for up to a century.
The monsters’ dimensions are determined by the size of their environment. In their natural habitat, they can reach lengths of up to 20 feet and weigh more than 1,500 pounds!
Advantages:
- Giant-sized fish if desired.
- Medium-sized fish if desired.
- Easy to care for.
Disadvantages:
- Takes several years to mature.
Handy Aquaponic Tips
- Most aquaponic fish prefer a neutral pH and thrive in consistent water quality. Be mindful when adding water to your system.
- Try using an algae-eating fish to keep your tank and decorations tidy.
- African Dwarf Frogs & aquatic turtles have the ability to thrive in an aquaponics system but they can carry Salmonella, so please do not grow edibles. Try growing non-edible plants like milkweed or ornamentals!
- Feed your fish twice a day! Careful not to overfeed and let food touch the bottom of your tank. Uneaten food interferes with your ECO-Cycle’s water quality and too much will become harmful to fish.
- Quarantine aquatic plants before putting them into your tank – just in case they are carrying snail eggs or other organisms that can cause harm to the ECO-Cycle.
- Fish that are adaptable to temperature change is the best option, and temperature consistency is best for any system.
- Gradually add fish to your system. Adding fish too quickly can spike ammonia levels and become dangerous.
