The Best Fish Species For Aquaponics

While the Nile tilapia is the fastest grower, it is easier to obtain a permit for the slower-growing Mozambique tilapia.

- Nicholas James

Aquaponics, a subset of the aquaculture industry, has grown dramatically in recent years. Most systems are hobby-scale to minor commercial scale projects, and there are few if any large ventures producing both fish and plants on a scale typical of traditional agriculture. However, several producers now send regular shipments of product to retail outlets, including health shops and supermarkets. Much of this is sold under a label that emphasises sustainable growth methods, pesticide-free production, and even organic status.

As I have commented in the past, the main focus of aquaponics is on the production of the plants, not the fish. Containments and systems for growing the fish are usually subjugated to the needs of convenience, portability and the plant requirements, rather than those of viable fish production per se. Having said this, what species of fish are available to aquaponics users?