Choosing the Right Fish for Your Aquaponics System

When setting up an aquaponics system, one of the most exciting decisions you'll make is choosing the type of fish to include.

The options are plentiful, but your choice will depend on several factors including the size of your system, your goals, and your personal preferences.

Let’s explore the various considerations and fish options for your aquaponics system.

Factors to Consider

Aquaponics System Size

First, you need to determine the size of your aquaponics system. The size of your fish tank will largely dictate the type of fish you can keep.

For example, a 200L (53G) fish tank is too small to grow many edible fish to plate size but perfect for pet fish or turtles.

Edible Fish vs. Pet Fish for Aquaponics

Decide whether you want to raise fish for consumption or keep them as pets.

Smaller systems are ideal for pet fish, while larger systems (1000L/264G or bigger) can support edible fish, providing a dual harvest of fish and veggies.

Great Fish Options for Small Systems

If you have a smaller system, here are some fish species that thrive:

• Guppies: These small, colourful fish are easy to care for and perfect for small systems.

• Gudgeons: Hardy and adaptable, gudgeons are great for aquaponics.

• Platys: These vibrant fish are not only pretty but also good for smaller tanks.

• Rainbow Fish: (not to be confused with Rainbow Trout!) Known for their striking colours, rainbow fish add beauty to your system.

• Goldfish: While certain types of goldfish can grow large, many varieties are suitable for small tanks.

Ideal Fish for Larger Aquaponics Systems

For those with larger tanks, growing edible fish can be rewarding. Here are some options:

• Perch: Silver and jade perch are popular choices due to their adaptability and tasty flesh.

• Bass: Species like largemouth and smallmouth bass are excellent for larger tanks.

• Tilapia: Known for their rapid growth and tolerance to varying conditions, tilapia are a favourite in aquaponics (make sure they are legal in your country, in Australia Tilapia are illegal to keep).

• Catfish: Hardy and easy to grow, catfish are great for aquaponics.

• Trout: Ideal for cooler climates, trout grow quickly and are delicious.

• Blue Gill: These fish are good for aquaponics systems and can coexist with other species.

• Barramundi: Native to warmer climates, barramundi grow fast and are prized for their meat.

• Yabbies: Though not fish, yabbies (freshwater crayfish) are a fun and delicious addition to larger systems.

Just because you have a larger aquaponics system, doesn't mean you have to eat your fish. You can grow Koi (if legal), comets and other forms of larger ornamental fish.

Or be like me, and grow the edible fish ~ and don't eat them! Sometimes, fish are friends, not food :-)

Consider Your Climate

It’s important to choose fish that are local to your climate to ensure they can survive and thrive in your system’s conditions.

Fish that are well-adapted to your region’s temperature and water quality will be easier to care for and more productive.

So, what grows in the local freshwater rivers and creeks? (Do not catch your fish there, not only does it impact the local ecosystem and can throw it out of balance, you may be introducing disease or bacteria into your system).

Predator vs. Community Fish

Remember, not all fish are community fish.

Predator fish like trout, cod, and barramundi may eat other fish if they can fit them in their mouths.

Always consider the behaviour and compatibility of the fish species you choose to keep in your system.

How Many Fish Can You have?

This ratio is different between edible fish and smaller fish as it often depends on the amount of filtration you have. Not just how many litres.

This video will give you a rough idea for larger fish.

This video will give you a rough idea for smaller fish.

Conclusion

Choosing the right fish for your aquaponics system is a personal decision that depends on various factors including system size, whether you want edible fish or pets, and the local climate.

Each system is unique, so experiment and find what works best for you.

Check out My YouTube Channel 'Candy The Aquaponics Lady'

Aquaponics is an ecosystem, and with anything it takes time to learn how it works. So, sit back and binge watch my 'how to' playlist and the 'Water Quality Made Simple' Playlist, and learn the next steps in your aquaponics system as you create the ecosystem.

Learn More About Aquaponics

Check out the COURSES page to learn how you can get started with aquaponics now. Click HERE.

Want to get your Eyes and Hands on the FREE Online Aquaponics Essentials Course?

This is a great free resource to really understand how aquaponics is a sustainable ecosystem that will grow your organic food is a productive way.

You learn how all the 'parts' make up the 'whole', and helps to give you the foundations of understanding aquaponics.

Sign up HERE

Want to help out and Feed my Fish?? (They don't drink coffee)

Candy Alexander is a dedicated aquaponics enthusiast with a wealth of formal training in aquaculture. Over the past 15 years, Candy has been deeply immersed in both commercial and backyard aquaponics, honing her skills and expertise in this sustainable farming method.

Candy's passion lies in making aquaponics accessible to everyone. With a mission to simplify aquaponics, she believes that anyone can embark on this sustainable journey.

She encourages those new to aquaponics to "kick the tires" without a significant financial investment. Her guidance focuses on helping people start their aquaponics journey with small-scale systems, ensuring a low barrier to entry for newcomers.

Candy shares practical tips, step-by-step guides, and personal stories to inspire and guide readers on their aquaponics adventure. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or a curious beginner, Candy Alexander is your go-to source for simplifying aquaponics and fostering a sustainable gardening experience.