What fish are best for aquaponics?
Setting up an aquaponics system is a lot of fun. Getting the right fish to place is one of the crucial steps. To find out which species of fish to keep in your pond, you must first ask what your intentions are for keeping fish. If you are raising fish for food, you may choose a different species than simply to feed your plants.
What fish are best for aquaponics? You have many options, and you may do well with one of the following:
Tilapia
They live in shallow streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. Its main source of food is algae or any other plant food. They grow very fast and reproduce a lot. They can be preserved as food, since they are a very rich source of protein. They are very popular with commercial and artisanal fishing. Tilapia requires warm water and is therefore not suitable for areas with freezing conditions.
Jade perch
This is a native Australian fish that has the highest levels of omega three oils of all other fish in the world. The omega three oil content is a very high factor that is causing producers to try to extract the oil from them after discovering that people do not like such high amounts. This species is very suitable for aquaponics because it grows very fast and produces many eggs that hatch in large numbers during warmer periods. They are omnivores and do well in warm water.
Trout
Trout is another good aquaponic fish that does well only in cold water. It tastes great and is excellent for cold areas that winter for months. To grow well, this species needs pristine water conditions. Breeding this species means that one has to make a proper selection of plants to grow in the grow bed because most aquatic plants prefer warmer water temperatures. However, they grow very fast as they have a very high feed conversion rate and eat very well. They are carnivores, therefore, it is necessary to feed them with commercial granules. They can develop tendencies to cannibalism when they eat their own species or that of other species of fish.
Barramundi
This species has some similarities to trout, but instead of requiring cold water like trout, it does well in warm water. They grow very fast and are good to eat. They are carnivals and will cannibalize each other or other species of fish. Bigger fish tend to eat smaller ones. You will need to size them to keep the little ones alive.
Goldfish
In situations where one does not have enough space to keep fish for food, goldfish fit in. Goldfish are cheap, easy, hardy, and have the ability to withstand fluctuating conditions. Their aesthetic value is also very high, which makes them very ideal for your garden. They breed in a tank, but you will need to cover it with plants first.
Conclution
Most fish that live in fresh water are edible and will provide you with vital protein and vitamins. Whichever species you choose for your aquaponics, you need to take good care of it. Observe them regularly and write down any form of stress. If there are any dead fish in the water pond, they should be removed immediately, as it decomposes very quickly and can poison the water.
