Aquaponics relies heavily on fish as they contribute to 50% of the system. The waste produced by fish becomes a source of nutrition for the plants while the plants act as filters, purifying the water for the fish. This self-sustaining cycle allows for both the plants and fish to be harvestable in just a matter of weeks or months.
Undoubtedly, choosing the appropriate fish for an aquaponics setup is a crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked.
Aquaponics is incredibly versatile as it allows for complete customization. You have a wide range of fish options available, and by conducting adequate research, you can find the best match for your system.
A fish species is available for your system if it is located in a warm climate, and there is also a fish suitable if you’re new to it but have no plans to consume them.
There is an abundance of species created by nature that can thrive in various niches around the globe, so it’s likely that you’ll find a fish from the list below that suits your system.
The Four Factors For Choosing Aquaponics Fish
To ensure successful integration with an aquaponics system, specific criteria must be considered when selecting a fish. With numerous options to choose from, each with their own benefits and drawbacks, selecting the appropriate species becomes simpler when focusing on the system’s requirements. Fortunately, choosing fish parallels selecting plants and can be accomplished by asking yourself four key questions:
- What kind of environment will the fish live in?
- What are the operating costs?
- Are the fish for eating or not?
- Are the fish legal to raise in an aquaponics environment?
This helpful list of fish-picking criteria will help narrow down your results into a workable category. At the end of the day, there are numerous species and breeds to choose from. However, not all of them are the best choice for your system’s needs.
Is it permissible for me to raise this fish according to the law?
Certain fish species cannot be bred in some states due to their potential to become invasive in the wild. The breeding of such fish might incur heavy fines if traced back to your system. Therefore, it is crucial to consider state regulations and guidelines before selecting a fish for your system.
What type of habitat will the fish inhabit?
Similar to plants, fish also necessitate distinct parameters to achieve maximum growth, potentially even more so. Identifying the ideal environment for your setup and the type of fish it can maintain is the initial step in fish selection. Often, the geographical location dictates whether a specific species is suitable or not.
In order to limit the types of fish that can be used in your system, it is important to identify the limitations of the system. Consider the following questions to gain a better understanding of the system’s capabilities.
What range of water temperature will the fish inhabit? How much capacity does the system possess? What is the maximum number of fish the tanks can support for optimal and timely growth? Lastly, does the filtration system have the capacity to effectively purify the amount of water being circulated?
Will the fish be consumed as intended?
Are the fish intended for display only or will they be consumed? Alternatively, do they have a completely different role to play? Certain fish species, such as goldfish and koi, are not appropriate for consumption. This eliminates one factor to think about and simplifies the process of selecting fish.
The level of difficulty in terms of maintenance and the costs associated with operation.
If you don’t factor in the initial expenses, operational costs can skyrocket rapidly. Just like nature, your finances have a limit. Taking care of certain fish species demands a higher level of attention and maintenance compared to others. When attempting to expand for specific fish types, it’s beneficial to pose these queries to yourself.
What will be the initial cost of stocking your system? What will be the expenses for providing feed and maintaining the ideal environment?
Before introducing expensive fish into your system, it may be wise to opt for cheaper and more budget-friendly fish based on your system’s specifications.
The Best Fish For Aquaponic Systems
1: The type of fish being referred to is Tilapia.
The Mozambique tilapia is a common type of fish that is raised in aquaponics, along with the Nile tilapia.
Tilapia, which are considered the most commonly raised fish in aquaponics, are predominantly Nile and Mozambique varieties.
Moreover, tilapia are recognized as one of the earliest fish to be cultivated. Tilapia thrive in temperatures that range from 72° – 86° F, although they prefer warm water. Furthermore, tilapia can tolerate a broad range of pH levels ranging from 6.5 – 9. It takes around 9 months before they are mature enough for harvesting.
Benefits
- Taste great.
- Easy for a beginner.
- Very adaptable.
- Fast growth rate.
- Easy to reproduce.
- Won’t eat other fish.
- Resistant to parasites and disease
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- Although able to take on temperature fluctuations they struggle when water isn’t close to 80° F.
- They breed almost too quickly. After 4-6 weeks schools of tilapia will be all over the place.
- Be sure to see if tilapia are legal to possess and farm. If they get out from any systems they have a tendency to out-compete other native fish.
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The brown trout flourishes in cold water environments that have high levels of oxygen.
Trout, which are referred to as the cool water fish of aquaponics, have the ability to survive in diverse climates, but they thrive in temperatures ranging from 56° – 68° F. The three most widespread kinds are brown, rainbow, and brook.
The rainbow varieties tend to be the most commonly utilized in systems.
Growers frequently switch between farming tilapia during warm seasons and trout during colder seasons.
It takes up to 16 months for Trout to reach a weight of 1 pound due to their slower growth rate.
Maintaining a pH range of 6.5 – 8 is crucial in attracting trout to pristine water. Keeping a close eye on the pH levels is essential in cultivating this fish species that thrives in clean water.
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- Tastes great and comes with plenty of protein and omega fatty acids.
- Perfect for colder climates.
- Has a varied diet including other fish, insects, and invertebrates.
- Greater desirability compared to some other aquaponically grown fish.
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- Takes a long time to raise and breed.
- Needs to be separated from other fish.
- Requires extremely clean water.
- Lower water temperatures eliminate other plants that could be grown.
- Greater amounts of oxygen are required in the water.
- Needs a higher protein diet to sustain optimal growth.
- Sometimes hard to find and source.
Barramundi 3
The demand for Barramundi, a premium selection in aquaponics, is steadily increasing.
Aquaponics is an ideal environment for raising Barramundi, which may be more challenging to handle but demonstrate remarkable growth rates and unparalleled taste, making them a highly sought-after fish species.
In contrast to trout, barramundi thrives in warm water. Likewise, they require optimal water quality and high levels of dissolved oxygen. Additionally, barramundi can survive in both fresh and saltwater environments.
Ensure that you maintain a safe distance between the growing barramundi and protect them from each other, as the older and bigger ones are known to prey on the smaller fingerlings. It is recommended to maintain the water temperature between 78 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit.
Their preferred pH range is generally from 7.2 to 8, and their weight typically reaches 1 to 4 pounds after approximately one year.
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- Ideal for warm weather conditions
- Excrete a lot of waste (more food for plants!)
- Quick growers
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- Highly sensitive and prone to not withstanding fluctuations in water temperature or dissolved oxygen
- Predatory fish – prone to attack much smaller fish. Isolation of other smaller fish is mandatory
Reworded: Number four is a perch.
There are several types of Perch such as Silver, Yellow, and Jade. Each variety has distinct requirements that must be thoroughly examined to determine their compatibility with your system.
Perch, which are similar to tilapia, are suitable fish for novice aquarists due to their adaptability. These fish prefer warmer water temperatures between 70° – 82° F.
The silver and yellow perch have a diet primarily consisting of smaller fish, bugs, and shrimp, whereas the jade perch is capable of consuming vegetables.
Depending on the type, harvesting perch can take as long as 16 months, and they prefer pH levels between 6.5 and 8.5.
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- Yellow perch are best for beginners.
- Able to navigate fluctuating levels of pH, temperature, and NO3.
- One of the best fish able to retain omega-3 oils.
- Live within the widest pH range of any other aquaponic fish.
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- Depending on the variety – silver and jade species can be difficult to raise.
- Requires a quick temperature change in order to breed (indicating the change in season).
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Catfish is both a highly prized food and a type of fish that requires minimal effort to cultivate.
When it comes to aquaponics, channel catfish are the ideal choice as they are regarded as a fundamental component of the aquaponics community.
This particular kind of fish is capable of tolerating changes in temperature and coexisting with other species commonly used in aquaponics, such as tilapia, crappie, and koi. Furthermore, they are non-territorial and can thrive even with a greater number of fish in the tank.
These fish are not only renowned globally for their delicious taste but are also capable of thriving in severely contaminated waters.
Catfish are an ideal option for beginners due to their toughness and ease of care. To ensure their well-being, maintain water temperatures between 75° – 85° F and pH levels between 7 – 8. It only takes 4-5 months for catfish to reach maturity, making them a rapidly growing species suitable for harvest in a short time.
Advantages of using this strategy include.
- Can manage fluctuating temperatures and water conditions.
- Multiple species of catfish can be tailored to fit the needs of the system.
- Can grow very quickly.
- Known to be a delicacy around the world.
The drawbacks
- Typically will require fish feed with higher protein.
- Too much exposure to handling will exacerbate Catfish – should be avoided if possible.
There are six goldfish.
If you’re interested in a compact aquaponics setup and have limited space, choosing a goldfish as your fish of choice can be ideal, especially if you’re not interested in consuming them. Goldfish are quite adaptable to changes in temperature, thriving in a range of 13-26°C with minimal heating required to maintain their environment. Additionally, they produce a significant amount of waste when overfed, making them a good fit for aquaponics systems. They are low maintenance, cost-effective, and visually appealing additions to your garden, also able to feed on insects, small marine life, or fish food. Growing your own food for them can be another option, although they’re known to attract parasites and should not be released into natural water streams.
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Due to their ability to tolerate varying pH levels and temperatures, Koi are a highly sought-after species for aquaponics. In comparison to goldfish, Koi are capable of reaching much larger sizes. They can survive on a lower protein diet and vegetable matter until a significant amount is available. They produce waste at high rates due to their lengthy intestines, which extract nutrients from inferior diets. For optimal living conditions, a minimum of 50 gallons of water per fish or at least three feet of depth in an external pond is recommended. However, indoor tanks with a minimum of 29 gallons can be used for young Koi. Koi are considered a valuable fish, particularly in comparison to varieties such as catfish or tilapia that are raised for consumption. It is important not to invest more than one can afford to lose when purchasing Koi, as mortalities may occur until the system matures. Proper oxygenation and off-gassing are important factors to consider, particularly in small ponds and during colder months. Although edible, Koi are not a typical choice for consumption due to their bony texture and difficulty in preparation. Koi ponds have the potential to be transformed into visually-pleasing aquaponics systems that improve water quality.
Bass that are big in size are called Largemouth Bass.
The largemouth bass is highly recommended for aquaponics, as they can withstand low oxygen levels and high nitrite levels. Due to their popularity and comparably high selling price, they are cultured and sold as high-end sports fish in the United States. Additionally, they are adaptable to various temperature ranges and can grow up to more than 2 pounds within their first year under optimal conditions. Female Florida largemouth bass can reach a maximum size of 20 pounds. For ponds larger than 1 acre, largemouth bass are an excellent option as they naturally spawn in ponds without needing hormone manipulations. To prevent cannibalism, adults or young must be removed. Their prey includes catfish, goldfish, minnows, carp, bluegill, and tilapia. Although it can be challenging to pellet-train them and cater to their expensive high-protein diet demands, the value of largemouth bass outweighs the costs.
The ninth item on the list is Murray Cod.
Selecting Murray Cod for aquaponics is an excellent option as it allows many fish to be stocked in one tank. These fish are commonly cultured in closed-loop systems and exhibit a wide survivability and growth temperature range. pH levels between 6.5 and 8 are ideal. To counteract territoriality, they should be kept in densely populated tanks. To prevent cannibalism, it is important to ensure they are well-fed and their hunger is satisfied. As they reach larger sizes, they can consume any fish which fits inside their mouth. Smaller Murray Cod can be housed alongside less aggressive species like Silver and Golden Perch. However, it is important to note that Murray Cod require regular attention as they are prone to bacterial and fungal infections.
Bluegill: 10
When it comes to small-scale aquaponics, Bluegill is a suitable choice due to its prevalence and value as a game fish in North America. Bluegill can be raised in various settings, including ponds, cage culture, and tank systems. If you have a Koi pond, adding Bluegill can help manage algae growth and coexist with other pond creatures like turtles and goldfish. Even in tanks as small as 55-gallon aquariums, pure strain Bluegill will reproduce several times. However, after the nesting phase, Bluegill can become cannibalistic, and it’s important to move the juveniles to smaller tanks. For optimal growth, Bluegill needs a diet rich in high protein and invertebrates such as freshwater shrimp, larvae, and small fish. While they grow at a slower rate and do not offer excellent conversion, Bluegill remains a great option for small-scale aquaponic systems.
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Sturgeons, which are a family of fish that have been in existence for over 60 million years, are known for their shark-like appearance and striking greyish-brown skin. Due to the high cost of wild caviar, strict regulations on fishing, slow reproductive and maturation cycle, and continued depletion of natural stocks, there is a growing interest in sturgeon aquaculture. This has led to an increase in sturgeon farms across Europe, Asia, and the USA, which have made significant strides in developing new technologies that have transformed the caviar industry into a global, multimillion-dollar business. Sturgeons are also a popular food item and are sold in the form of fingerlings, fry, and for stocking, especially in California and Idaho. Sturgeons are well suited to aquaponics, as they are able to tolerate lower pH levels, which makes micronutrients more readily available to plants. They are also efficient bottom feeders and produce a lot of waste, which is beneficial for plant growth. However, they require high-quality water and intensive management, as well as high capital and operating costs, especially when mature females are used to produce caviar. Sturgeons have cartilaginous skeletons and cannot swim backward, making it essential to create proper pond conditions (e.g. a mud bottom with minimal plant obstruction) to ensure their survival. For tank environments, sturgeons typically require at least a 500-gallon capacity. (However, Sterlet can thrive in smaller tanks.)
12: Carp
The carp is suitable for beginners, just like tilapia in terms of its resilience.
Carp is an ideal option for aquaponics due to their resilience in both low and high temperature environments. They are similar to tilapia in that they are extremely durable and are able to endure significant changes.
Carp possess a strong diet, encompassing virtually all types of food, while favoring temperatures of 68° – 77°. Maintaining pH ranges between 7.5 – 8 is ideal for the breed. Carp can be successfully harvested within 12 to 16 months.
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- Very easy to raise.
- Great taste.
- Adaptable to many environments.
- Produces a lot of waste for plants to utilize.
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- If waste is not managed well it can turn into a burden.
- Demand for carp and specific species can fluctuate greatly depending on the area.
Thirteen refers to the fish species known as crappie.
Crappies are well-suited to the Australian climate and are a beloved choice among locals.
The black and white varieties are the main types of crappies that are suitable for aquaponics. They are sturdy fish that possess a savory taste similar to bass, and are also considered one of the most palatable panfish.
Apart from the white variety being slightly smaller in size than the black, there is very little discrepancy between the two.
The ideal temperature range for crappie is 60° – 75° F, and they function best in pH levels between 6.5 – 8.2. The harvesting of crappies usually occurs after a period of approximately 2 years.
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- Manage well with varying temperatures.
- Smaller fish and suitable for greater stocking densities.
- Great for warmer weather conditions.
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- Cannot stray from specific pH levels.
- Should not be kept with other fish.
Pacu is the fourteenth item on the list.
The requirement for coverage and protection is distinctive to Pacu in aquaponic tanks.
Do not be misled, pacus are not piranhas! They are commonly referred to as herbivorous piranhas. Despite being closely related and having shared origins, they have notable differences.
Pacu typically thrives in temperature ranges from 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit and prefers a pH range between 6.5 and 7.5.
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- Can grow quite large.
- Can eat most food.
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- The higher temperatures they prefer require a closer eye on oxygen levels.
- Should be kept with other pacu.
- Not great for first-timers.
- Need unique covered areas in water tanks to replicate areas to hide.
Other Helpful Species In Aquaponics System
Crustaceans, a group of animals including lobsters, crabs, and shrimp, can be found in both saltwater and freshwater habitats.
It is important to seriously consider crustaceans as valuable assistants in the system due to their helpfulness as bottom dwellers.
Prawns, crayfish, mussels, oysters, and lobsters are among the crustaceans that can be included in the system along with fish, despite being bottom dwellers, which is quite astounding.
Usually, they settle under rafts and remain at the tank’s bottom. Their great advantage is consuming decaying organic materials present at the bottom, which facilitates the cleaning process.
Tank water can be kept clean by mussels, which prefer a temperature range of 57° – 84° F and have a brief harvest period of 3 – 6 months. pH levels between 6.5 – 8 are favored by crustaceans.
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- Very small amount of maintenance. Very self-sustaining.
- Can survive in a sump tank, away from other fish if need be.
- Fast growers.
- Helps mitigate waste accumulating at the bottom of fish tanks.
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- Too many shrimp can create rampant disease amongst killing them off quickly.
Aesthetic Fish For Aquaponics
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Small and hobby-sized systems are well-suited for keeping guppies as they are among the most suitable choices.
Guppies come in various types, but they are particularly eye-catching as a fish species. They are usually favored for smaller personal tanks since they are not meant for consumption.
Guppies are readily available at almost all pet stores and are simple to care for, making them an ideal choice for small-scale setups. They thrive in temperature ranges of 74°-82°F.
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- Very quick producers.
- Very cheap fish.
- Can be found anywhere.
- A great choice for much smaller systems or hobbyists.
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- Too small to eat.
- Narrow pH ranges and temperature ranges.
The topic at hand is Tetra Fish.
For those interested in aesthetics and hobbies, the tetra fish stands out as one of the most adaptable and visually appealing options available for purchase.
There exists a range of tetra fish species that differ in both size and color, just like other types of fish. Unlike the guppy, they are not typically consumed and are mainly kept for aesthetic purposes.
Tetra fish have their beginnings in the Amazon rainforest, requiring warmer water temperatures within the range of 70°-81°F and an optimal pH level of 6-7.
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- Quick growers.
- Cheap to buy.
- Can be found anywhere.
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- Sensitive to pH and temperature fluctuations.
- Should be kept exclusively with other tetra fish.
Other Options
These are the most commonly used options to consider, but the local fish species in nearby water streams may be a perfect fit for your system. If you’re able to spend more on bigger or more complicated tanks, you can keep fancier fish like Pacu or barramundi. Other fish, such as gobi, crappie, Brook, eels, Muskellunge, Northern Pike, Snakehead, Coho Salmon, and gourami, can also thrive in your aquaponics system. Additionally, there are a variety of ornamental fish to choose from, including guppies, angelfish, tetras, swordfish, Danios, Oscars, mollies, and cichlids. Regardless of which species you choose, it’s critical to check their dietary needs, temperature requirements, and growth rates. Mussels, prawns, and crayfish are also excellent options for aquaponic systems. Freshwater mussels, in particular, are fantastic for filtering and cleaning water. These filter-feeders can thrive in flooded grow beds as well as fish tanks.
Not to use Species
If you are not interested in cultivating seaweed, it is not advisable to use brackish or marine fish species such as cobia, Red drum, flounder, pompano, Atlantic croaker, and marine baitfish as they require a minimum culture salinity of 5 ppt salinity which could lead to the death of most plants. Additionally, it may not be feasible to use larger or dangerous creatures like sharks or whales in your system.
Recommendations
Once you have determined the type of fish you want, the next step is to determine the quantity. A general guideline is to have one pound of live fish for every gallon of water. Before you begin, make sure your aquaculture system is equipped with dechlorinated water, proper aeration and filtration systems, and food for fingerlings. You can find a useful resource for natural fish feed here. Additionally, here are some more helpful suggestions.
- Choose small (1-2 inch) or advanced (3-4 or 4-5 inch) fingerlings. The feed amount per day drastically varies between sizes and directly impacts the nutrients available to plants. Always buy feed-trained fingerlings because you would not want to spend time and effort to feed-train them yourself. Not maintaining water quality will not harm a hardy fish, but don’t complain about the off-flavor taste afterward. The growth rates are greatly reliant on temperature, DO, pH, and feed quality. Although many fish tolerate low DO, Feed conversion efficiencies are reduced when dissolved oxygen (D.O.) concentration drops below 4 mg/L. The temperate zone fish usually grow more during the warmer seasons. Some inputs are required to keep the system performing like air pumps, aquarium heaters, and feed that is given to the aquatic animal.
