Types of fishes used in Aquaculture and Aquaponics

Aquaculture and Aquaponics are two widely adopted methods for sustainable fish farming around the world.

Aquaculture cultivates fish in natural habitats like ponds, paddy fields, concrete ponds, fibre tanks, IBC tanks, and liner ponds. Below, we’ll delve into the two categories of cultivated fish: air-breathing and water-breathing.

Types of Fish Used in Aquaculture and Aquaponics

Air-breathing Fishes

1. Anabas: Also known as Climbing Perch, Anabas is a carnivorous fish that can reach lengths of 15 to 30 cm in the wild. The cultivation period typically ranges from 6 months to 1 year. Anabas exhibits the remarkable ability to survive without water for up to 6 to 8 hours. These fish are found abundantly in both brackish and fresh waters, primarily in South and East Asia.
2. Pangasius: Pangasius, also known as Shark Catfish, can grow to sizes of 20 to 30 cm or more in freshwater. After a cultivation period of 6 months to 1 year, Pangasius, primarily found in Southeast Asia, is ready for harvest.
3. Gourami: Popular for their docile nature, Gourami (including Climbing Gouramis) make peaceful tank mates. They typically reach lengths of 20 to 30 cm or more in freshwater. Reaching maturity in 1-2 years, this fish thrives in waters from India to Korea.

Water-breathing Fishes

1. Tilapia: Also known as Cichlid fish, Tilapia encompasses four species commonly found in Aquaculture: Nile tilapia, Red tilapia, Gift tilapia, and Mono-sex tilapia. Gift tilapia is especially high-yielding (Gift stands for Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia). Found primarily in freshwater (15-30cm), tilapia is also present, though uncommon, in India’s brackish waters. Maturing in 0.5-1 year, they’re native to Asia.
2. Red-bellied Natter: The Red-bellied Natter, also referred to as the Red-bellied Piranha, is a carnivorous fish that can grow to lengths of 15 to 30 cm in freshwater. Native to South America, cultivation takes 6 months to a year.
3. Rohu Primarily found in South Asia, Rohu (Rui) is a carp fish. Reaching maturity in 1-2 years of cultivation, these fish grow 15-70 cm or more in the wild. They are mostly found in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and other neighbouring regions.
4. MrigalMrigal, also known as White Carp, can grow to lengths of 20 to 90 cm or more in freshwater in the wild. The cultivation period typically ranges from 1 to 2 years or more, and Mrigal fishes are found and cultivated in India.
5. CatlaCatla, commonly referred to as Major Carp, can reach impressive lengths of 100 to 180 cm or more in freshwater in the wild. The cultivation duration typically spans 1 to 2 years or more. These fish are widely distributed in regions including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and others.

Farming Fishes used in Aquaculture

Farmers often prefer to cultivate all three species (Rohu, Catla, and Mrigal) in one pond to optimize food utilization. Rohu feeds from the surface, Catla from the centre, and Mrigal from the bottom layers of the water.

Aquaculture and aquaponics offer chemical-free, safe-to-eat products, contributing year-round to protein and nutrient-rich fish food production.

For further information on best practices in fish handling through aquaculture, please feel free to contact us.