Best Fish for Aquaponics: Edible, Ornamental, and Challenging Fish

John Garner McCandless

May 4, 2022

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When it comes to fish and aquaponics, there’s the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Some fish — like Tilapia — have an extremely high tolerance range and can flourish even in the worst of conditions, and then some fish — such as trout — have very specific requirements, making them a tad bit difficult for beginners.

Ideally, if you want to be successful in aquaponics, pick a fish that’s easy, hardy, and suitable for your particular environment.

So, without further ado, here’s our big list of edible fish, ornamental fish, and challenging fish suited for aquaponic systems.

Have you successfully raised fish in aquaponics? Do you have something to highlight? Share your story with us so we can publish it and tell the world how you did it!

Table of Contents

What You Need to Think About Before Picking Your Fish

When it comes to making your fish selection, there are several things you need to take into consideration. So before you do anything, make sure you read this list and see if aquaponics works for you.

Is the Fish Edible

If you’re wanting to eat your fish, then you’re going to want to pick a fish that’s (1) edible and (2) that you personally enjoy eating. For beginners, your primary edible choices are Tilapia, Catfish, Bluegill, Pacu, Carp, and Yellow Perch.

Do You Intend to Sell the Fish

The great thing about aquaponics is that you get to grow fish and plants together in one continuous, natural, recirculating system. That means that whatever fish you pick, you also have the ability to sell it. And if this is your goal, then make sure to pick a fish that’s (1) easy to grow, and (2) has a high market value in your particular area.

Temperature Considerations

Temperature is huge in aquaponics and certain fish have very specific temperature ranges. If growing outdoors, make sure your fish is suitable for your climate and environment.

Fish Availability

As you’ll quickly learn in aquaponics, sometimes your fish selection is really a matter of availability. So before you even think about buying anything or setting anything up, you need to first make sure that the fish you want to raise is available in your area. The best way to find your fish is to simply google “fish hatchery near me” and make some phone calls.

Fish and Lighting

When it comes to fish and lighting, you need to cover your tank in some manner to give the fish shade and prevent algae growth. However, depending on what fish you’re growing, some species may need more shade than others. Make sure to do your due diligence and select a fish that’s suitable for your space and tank.

Breeding Considerations

Breeding is tricky within tanks and it varies from fish to fish. But if breeding is something you want to happen, make sure you understand your fishes breeding habits and needs before making your selection.

Size and Grow Rate

Some fish can take years to reach their harvestable size while some take a matter of months. When it comes to your fish, pick one that’s suitable for your tank space. Additionally, just remember to always do your stocking calculations based on the harvestable or adult size of your fish.

Space and Capacity

Depending on where you live and your personal lifestyle, caring for fish in aquaponics can be either easy or very difficult. Before getting started, just make sure to think about (1) where you can put your setup and if you have space, and (2) your personal availability for daily maintenance. If you don’t have the personal capacity to care for your fish, then you probably shouldn’t pursue aquaponics.

Water Quality Considerations

Maintaining water quality in your system is everything. If your water quality is bad, you’re going to have some problems (and maybe some dead fish!). So when you make your selection, pick a fish that can withstand a little bit of bad water quality — such as Koi — to give yourself a little wiggle room while you’re learning the ropes!

Feeding Considerations

Feeding is a big deal in aquaponics and some fish are heavy eaters! Whatever fish you choose, make sure you have a good understanding of their diet and answer a few questions before making your purchase: how many times they need to be fed, where to get fish food, fingerling vs adult amounts, etc.

Best Edible Fish For Aquaponics

The great thing about aquaponics is that you have the ability to produce fish and plants simultaneously in one continuous, natural, recirculating system. What’s even better, however, is that depending on your goals and needs, you can include edible fish within your system, making aquaponics a one-two punch option for growers.

Here’s our list of the best edible fish for aquaponics!

1. Tilapia

Tilapia are, hands-down, the best and most popular species to raise in an aquaponics system. They’re hardy, can handle a lot of stress, and can survive temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, they’re able to be stocked at a high level and can be harvested in less than a year.

Advantages

• An extremely hardy fish with good survivability
• Potential for high stocking density
• Is good tasting (can flavor the fish fairly easily)
• Fast reproduction rates
• Great for beginners and commercial growers alike

Disadvantages

• Reproduction habits may overwhelm small aquaponic systems
• Tilapia are sometimes regulated in certain states/countries that consider them invasive

2. Channel Catfish

Catfish are also popular in aquaponic systems. They are a fairly hardy fish (but not quite as hardy as tilapia) and can withstand most environmental changes. Typically, although not always, catfish are readily available and easy to find, making them a great fish for beginners and those building their own DIY aquaponic system.

Advantages

• Catfish are edible and delicious
• Very hardy fish and can handle environmental changes
• Catfish have a fast growth rate
• They are easy to find and can be locally sourced
• Can be raised with other fish such as tilapia

Disadvantages

• Catfish prefer and need large tanks with more horizontal space
• Can be difficult to handle (picking up)
• Have cannibalistic tendencies in tanks

3. Blue Gill (also known as Sunfish and Brim/Bream)

Bluegill are great for aquaponic systems. They’re small, hardy, and easy to find. They can be harvested in as little as 12 months and don’t require a lot of tank space. Additionally, because they don’t like sunlight, bluegill are safe to raise in tanks without a window (the light from the top of the tank should suffice).

Advantages

• Extremely easy to harvest and handle
• Great for small, backyard aquaponic setups
• Great fish if you don’t plan on selling them (can live for seven years)

Disadvantages

• Have a tendency to cannibalize their offspring
• Illegal to be sold as fish food in some states
• Can take more than 2 years to reach 1 pound
• Have a big appetite and can be pricey to feed

4. Pacu

Not to be confused with the piranha (their not-so-distant cousin), pacu are great for aquaponics and can be harvested in just a few months. However, due to unique nature and space requirements, they’re better suited for commercial systems than backyard setups.

Advantages

• Lean, good tasting meat
• Grow extremely fast in aquaponic systems
• Hardy fish with good survivability
• Great for commercial aquaponics

Disadvantages

• Can be difficult to handle and can cause injury
• Hard to find in certain states/countries and highly regulated
• Can’t mix with other fish
• Requires a lot of space (but great for pond setups)
• Have high protein diets and need to be fed often (2 to 3 times per day)

5. Carp

Generally speaking, carp aren’t exactly popular among aquaponic farmers, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid them altogether (and there’s no reason why you can’t experiment with them if you’re a beginner). Just like Tilapia, they have great hardiness and high survivability. Additionally, while most people think of carp as an inedible fish, this isn’t exactly true either. In some areas, carp are regularly harvested and considered a delicacy!

Advantages

• Grow relatively fast and can be harvested under a year
• Have high survivability and are very hardy

Disadvantages

• In most cultures, carp are considered a “trash fish” and a nuisance
• Can outgrow your tank easily if not harvested before a year
• May have a hard time selling them

6. Yellow Perch

Not to be confused with bluegill, perch are a completely different species of fish. And although there seems to be some conflicting information out there as to whether or not they’re good for aquaponics, the general consensus is that they do pretty well. They can be stocked at high volumes and they have a great pH range.

Advantages

• Have a wide pH range
• Can be stocked at a high level
• Yellow Perch are very good tasting

Disadvantages

• Only breed once a year during sudden temperature fluctuations
• Have a tendency to cannibalize
• Not a lot of information on them for aquaponic systems

Best Ornamental Fish for Aquaponics

If you’re looking to focus on just the produce and don’t have an interest in eating and/or selling your fish, then there are plenty of options within the “ornamental fish” category for you! You can go with a fish like koi, which has been proven successful for both backyard and commercial setups, or you can go with something much smaller, like a tetra fish, which is perfect for small, indoor aquarium setups.

1. Koi

Out of all the ornamental fish, koi are the best for aquaponics. Not only are they extremely hardy, but they’re aesthetically beautiful and can compliment any outdoor garden setup. Additionally, they have great temperature range and can survive dips as low as 35° F.

Advantages

• Aesthetically beautiful and look great
• Are extremely hardy fish and can survive most climates
• Relatively easy to find due to their popularity
• Can feed koi out of your hand with training

Disadvantages

• Do better in ponds over tanks; setting up an aquaponic pond system can be challenging for beginners
• Initial purchase can be very expensive

2. Fancy Goldfish

Goldfish are great for beginners. They’re easy to find, easy to take care of, and easy to feed. And while they do require a little bit of monitoring from time to time, they’re actually quite hardy and can live up to 15 years. If you want a consistent and long-lasting indoor or backyard aquaponics setup, goldfish are a great choice.

Advantages

• Great fish for beginners
• Hardy fish and easy to monitor
• Aesthetically beautiful
• Easy to find (check local pet stores)

Disadvantages

• Can easily outgrow your tank
• Prone to fish diseases (especially swim bladder and liver disease)
• Tank needs to be kept clean

3. Guppies

For beginners, guppies are a great choice for your aquaponic setup. If you’re looking to do something small just to get your foot in the door, then guppies will do the trick. They can be mixed with other aquarium fish (and will mix well with most of the other aquarium fish listed here) and have a life expectancy of 2 to 3 years.

Advantages

• Can be found at your local pet store
• Have high hardiness and survivability if cared for correctly
• Reproduce quickly

Disadvantages

• Better suited for small setups
• Similar to other small aquarium fish, they are prone to disease

4. Angelfish

Like other ornamental fish on this list, angelfish have a lot of upside when it comes to aquaponics. As one of the most common freshwater aquarium fish in the world, not only are they aesthetically beautiful, but they meet all of the aquaponic criteria and can live up to 15 years with proper care.

Advantages

• Grow extremely fast
• Aesthetically beautiful
• Can be found at your local pet store

Disadvantages

• Can get aggressive with other fish after pairing off and finding a mate
• Are not as hardy as some of the other ornamental fish on this list (koi or goldfish)

5. Tetras

Tetras are some of the best fish for aquaponics due to their variety (over 150 different species to choose from) and their adaptability. They get along great with other fish and they have a keen ability to stay calm, cool, and collected inside your tank.

Advantages

• Can be mixed with other fish
• Have a peaceful and calm demeanor
• Can put a lot of tetra fish in a relatively small tank

Disadvantages

• Have a habit of eating their young

6. Mollies

Just like tetras, mollies do pretty well in indoor aquaponic systems. They have a lifespan of around 3 to 5 years and grow to about 4 to 4-1/2 inches in length. As a tropical fish, they come in a variety of colors (about 39 species to choose from) and they are all aesthetically beautiful.

Advantages

• Several varieties to choose from
• Peaceful fish and do well with other aquarium fish
• They breed very frequently

Disadvantages

• Are susceptible to “molly disease” known as the “shimmies”
• Their lifespan isn’t as impressive as some of the other ornamental aquaponic fish

7. Swordtail

As with the other aquarium fish on this list, a swordtail’s life expectancy isn’t exactly long (3 to 5 years) but they are a hardy fish nonetheless. Growing to about 5.5 inches in length, swordtail are very adaptable and can be mixed with a variety of other fish. For aquaponics, they would mix great with other similar-sized fish on this list (mollies and tetras especially).

Advantages

• Breed quickly and easily (once every 28 days)
• Several varieties to pick from

Disadvantages

• Males can be territorial
• Require a little more room than some of the other aquarium fish

9. Danios

Danios are one of the smaller fish on this list but they still work well in aquaponic aquarium setups. They have a lifespan of about 2 to 3 years and are capable of reaching 3 inches in length (although they’re normally about 2 to 2.5 inches). Additionally, they’re pretty active and playful, making them great dither fish.

Advantages

• Are active and playful and fun to watch
• Have good temperature range

Disadvantages

• Susceptible to Mycobacteriosis and Nematode
• Lifespan is short and they’re not as hardy as some of the other aquarium fish

10. Cichlid

Cichlid come in a variety of colors and types and make great fish for your indoor aquaponics setup. They typically live for about 8 years and grow to 5 inches in length. As a tropical fish, however, they do have high aggression (although some types have less) and they shouldn’t be kept with smaller fish.

Advantages

• Tropical fish and aesthetically beautiful
• Lots of colors and varieties to pick from

Disadvantages

• Territorial fish that require plenty of hiding spaces
• Temperature range isn’t great
• Can be aggressive with other fish

11. Clown Loach

Clown loaches are easy to care for and make great aquarium fish for any aquaponic setup. As a colorful fish, they’ll happily dance around your aquarium and put on a show. And despite their small appearance when they’re sold, clown loach actually grow to 12 inches in length and can live 10 years or more.

Advantages

• Have great color and are fun to watch
• Extremely long lifespan if conditions are right (some reports of 25 years)

Disadvantages

• Because they grow to be quite large, they require very large tanks
• Not as hardy as some of the other fish on this list
• Susceptible to ich

Possible but Challenging Fish for Aquaponics

Technically, any freshwater fish can be used for aquaponics, but that doesn’t mean you SHOULD use them. For beginners, it’s probably best to go with a “tried and tested” fish (like Tilapia or Koi) before trying anything else. But, if you’ve been there done that, and you’re looking to do some experimentation, here’s a quick list of fish that have been successfully grown in aquaponic systems but may be a little bit challenging.

1. Barramundi

The barramundi should probably be avoided in aquaponic systems. It can be done, yes, but it’s not exactly ideal or efficient. Because of their tank space requirements and temperature/pH range, their survivability rate isn’t great. However, if there is one plus to barramundi, it’s that they do grow relatively fast and can be harvested in less than a year.

Advantages

• Extremely fast growers
• Are considered good eating in certain areas

Disadvantages

• Because barramundi produce a lot of waste, water quality requirements are difficult to manage. They need high DO, warm water, and have a very limited pH range
• Because they are fast growers, they need a large amount of tank space
• Fingerlings tend to be cannibalistic and eat one another

2. Walleye

Walleye have shown a lot of promise in aquaponics, but they’re in our challenging column for two reasons: (1) they are difficult to find (lack of fry supply), and (2) there’s just not a whole lot of trustworthy information on them yet. However, there have been plenty of people who have claimed to make them work. So, if you’re up for a challenge, then they’re certainly worth a try.

Advantages

• Many Hobbyist have reported growing walleye successfully in aquaponics
• Are supposed to be fairly hardy fish

Disadvantages

• Lack of scientific information/findings for Walleye in aquaponic systems
• Conflicting information on them via online sources (for aquaponics)
• Very difficult to find a fry supplier
• As a predatory fish, it can’t be kept with fish that are smaller

3. Hybrid Striped Bass

As a hybrid between striped bass and white bass, the hybrid striped bass will work well in aquaponic systems but it definitely has some downsides. For one, hybridization doesn’t occur naturally and they have to be cultured from a hatchery. Secondly, they don’t tolerate potassium very well which isn’t exactly ideal for plant pairings.

Advantages

• Good tasting fish that has a lot of flavor
• Hybrid Striped Bass are very hardy and tolerant of environmental changes
• Can tolerate low dissolved oxygen (DO)

Disadvantages

• Most reports indicate that it isn’t the most efficient fish to pair with plants
• Hybridization doesn’t occur naturally
• There’s not a lot of information on hybrid striped bass in aquaponic systems yet

4. Largemouth Bass

Similar to hybrid striped bass, plenty of people have made largemouth bass work for their aquaponics system (or at least plenty of people have experimented with them), but the general consensus is that they’re pretty difficult for beginners. Unfortunately, they’re a little disease prone in tanks and are on the expensive side to purchase and maintain.

Advantages

• Can achieve a pound of fish per year
• Tasty and popular game fish

Disadvantages

• Prone to diseases in tanks (especially Columnaris)
• Expensive to buy and produce (comparatively)
• Don’t handle small tanks well
• Cannibalistic

5. Trout

Of all the trout species used in aquaponics, rainbow trout are the most popular. They’re good tasting, they grow really fast, and they can be stocked pretty well (relatively at least). However, due to their less-than-ideal temperature range, they can only be paired with cool-weather crops. And while that means they will certainly pair well with cool-weather vegetables like lettuce, so too do more reliable fish, such as koi. So regardless of what you’re growing, it’s probably best to go with another fish (unless you want a challenge of course!).

Advantages

• Great-tasting fish
• Grow quickly and easy to harvest

Disadvantages

• Less than ideal temperature range
• Can only be paired with cool weather crops
• Require high levels of oxygen

6. Salmon

Just like the rest of the fish on this “challenging” list, salmon have been successfully grown in aquaponics, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re a good fit for you. Because they’re prone to diseases, have a very specific temperature range, and have very particular developmental requirements, they’re just not an easy fish to work with in aquaponics. Additionally, there’s really not a whole lot of information on them yet.

Advantages

• Salmon grow almost a pound per month
• Salmon are tasty and one of the most sought after fish

Disadvantages

• Salmon will cannibalize smaller fish
• Because of salmon’s temperature requirements, salmon can be hard to pair with a plant
• Salmon are very disease prone in the early stages and have high mortality
• Very difficult to run and maintain a nursery
• Salmon make more sense for commercial setups

7. Murray Cod

If you know what you’re doing, then murray cod can be a lot of fun to raise in your backyard setup, but they’re definitely not for beginners. While they do grow fast (and very large for that matter), they are very susceptible to illness and require an extremely large tank space. Overall, they can be pretty difficult to manage and keep alive.

Advantages

• One of the faster growing fish for aquaponics
• One of the larger fish for aquaponic systems
• Good tasting fish that’s easy to clean

Disadvantages

• Require a lot of tank space
• Susceptible to bacteria and fungal infections
• Cannot mix with other fish (tend to eat other fish)
• They prefer hiding spaces within their tank

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This list is a culmination of online educational and informational resources; however, we do recognize that conflicting information does exist across the internet due to the nature of aquaponics. If you see something that needs to be fixed on our list, send us a message and let us know!