Selecting the Best Fish for Your Aquaponics System: Edible vs. Ornamental

The Dual Role of Fish in Aquaponics

Fish provide nutrients for plants and can be harvested for food (optional). Most systems use freshwater species; crayfish and prawns are also options.

Non-Edible (Ornamental) Fish

If you don’t want to harvest fish, ornamental species work well. Common choices:

• Koi: Hardy, colorful, widely available, part of the carp family. Abundant resources exist for koi care.
• Goldfish: Also carp, smaller than koi, more variety in size/shape, originally bred for ornamentation.
• Others: Angelfish, guppies—less common but possible.

Selection criteria: cost, personal enjoyment, availability/affordability of fish food.

Edible Fish: Getting the Full Benefit

Edible fish give you both plant nutrients and protein. Choice depends on taste preference and feed availability.

Tilapia: The Aquaponics Superstar

Most popular for home and commercial systems. Healthy, mild-flavored, breeds easily, tolerates varied conditions, grows fast. Called "aquatic chicken" in the trade. Historically important in Africa; US consumption quadrupled in 10 years (475M lbs in 2010).

Other Edible Options

• Barramundi
• Silver Perch
• Tandanus catfish
• Jade Perch
• Murray cod
• Crappie, bluegill, bass, carp, trout (experimental but successful)

Production Potential

A small 12'x20' system can produce ~110 lbs of fish/year if operated year-round (greenhouse/garage/basement). Expect ~30 minutes daily labor initially, decreasing with experience.

Flexibility

You can switch fish species if your first choice doesn’t work out. Experiment until you find what you love.