Setting up an aquaponics system is a lot of fun. Getting the right fish to put on is one of the crucial steps. To find out which species of fish to keep in your pond, you must first ask what their intentions are in keeping fish. If you are raising fish to eat, you may want to choose a different species than if you are raising them simply to feed your plants.

What fish are best for aquaponics? You have many options and you might do well with one of the following:

tilapia

They live in streams, rivers, ponds, and shallow lakes. Their main food source is algae or any other food of plant origin. 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 any other fish in the world. The omega 3 oil contents are very high, a factor that is causing growers to try extracting the oil after discovering that people don’t 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 the warmer periods. They are omnivorous 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 great for cold areas that experience 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 culture bed because most aquatic plants prefer warmer water temperatures. However, they grow very fast as they have a very high feed conversion ratio and eat very well. They are carnivorous, so it is necessary to feed them with commercial pellets. They may develop cannibalistic tendencies where they eat their own or other species of fish.

barramundi

This species has some similarities to trout, but instead of requiring cold water like trout, they do 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. The bigger fish tend to eat the smaller ones. You will need to sort them by size to keep the little ones alive.

Goldfish

In situations where one does not have enough space to keep fish for food, the goldfish fits the bill. Goldfish are cheap, easy, hardy, and have the ability to withstand fluctuating conditions. Their aesthetic value is also very high, which makes them ideal for your garden. They breed in a tank, but you’ll need to cover it with plants first.

Conclusion

Most freshwater fish are edible and will provide you with vital proteins and vitamins. Whichever species you choose for your aquaponics, you need to take good care of it. Observe them regularly and take note of any form of stress. If there are any dead fish in the aquatic pond, they should be removed immediately as they decompose very quickly and can poison the water.