Freshwater aquaculture involves raising fish, invertebrates, and plants in ponds, cages, or recirculation systems. Tilapia and trout are commonly farmed for food, while ornamental fish and plants are raised for the pet trade. Aquaponics allows for a symbiotic system where fish waste provides nutrients for plant growth.
Freshwater aquaculture refers to raising freshwater plants and animals. Many types of fish, invertebrates and plants are grown in freshwater aquaculture systems around the world. While most of these systems are used to grow food, there are types of freshwater aquaculture farms that specialize in rearing ornamental fish and plants kept in aquariums and ponds.
There are three systems generally used in freshwater aquaculture. In the pond system, which is the simplest to set up and maintain, farmers stock young fish in existing or man-made ponds. Alternatively, a cage system can be installed in a natural body of water that is too large for easy harvesting. Technological developments have also allowed farmers to take control of the aquatic environment using a recirculation system. This system allows for year-round large-scale production, but requires a high initial investment.
Tilapia, which grows rapidly and is a relatively hardy fish, is frequently farmed in ponds, although it does well in any aquaculture system. With its mild flavor and high protein content, tilapia is a popular food fish around the world. The fish reproduces easily and eats almost anything, which makes it easy to keep. In some parts of the world, tilapia is even grown in rice paddies, saving space and giving many rural communities an additional source of protein and income. Shellfish, including shrimp and prawns, can be farmed in rice paddies along with tilapia.
Another type of fish that is commonly farmed is trout. Requiring more precise conditions than tilapia, trout are often farmed in recirculating aquaculture systems. Farmed trout are commonly used to stock lakes, streams, and reservoirs so people can fish for them. Trout farms also sell fresh fish to grocery stores and markets.
Ornamental fish, from goldfish to cichlids, are farmed and raised through freshwater aquaculture. Using the same principles as the largest recirculation systems, keepers of exotic fish must control every aspect of the aquatic environment if less hardy species are to thrive. Aquarium fish farmers supply fish for the pet trade.
The plants can also be grown in freshwater aquaculture systems. Aquarium and pond plants, such as lotus or water lilies, are often grown in ponds or tanks. Additionally, many island communities have begun using aquaponic technologies, which allow freshwater fish and plants to be grown in a symbiotic system. In aquaponics, the waste created by fish, often tilapia or catfish, provides the nutrients needed to grow lettuce or other plants that can be eaten or sold.
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