Freshwater Fish Farming

Summary: Interested in starting a freshwater fish farm, but afraid it might need a lot of investments? Freshwater fish farming can be started as a backyard project. Read our guide and learn the options in pursuing this project, the equipment needed, and the most common types of freshwater fish that are farmed.

Freshwater fish farming is often associated with commercial fish growing operation. But this is not necessarily so; many large-scale fish farming start out small and freshwater farming could also be pursued as a backyard operation which doesn’t have to grow fish until maturity.

Freshwater Fish Farming Ventures

Commercially, one can grow freshwater fish for sale to restaurants and supermarkets. But he can also breed fingerlings for supply to commercial fish growers, recreational pond owners and hobbyist; grow fish for sale as bait; and raise mature fish for sale to pet shops. The culture of fish, whether as food or ornamental article, can also be pursued as a hobby.

For large-scale operation fish farming means having to seriously deal with fish biology, financing, construction of fish farm structures, buying of equipment, paying wages and bills, and marketing. As in any fish farming operation, space and water supply is of utmost importance to start this business. One needs to have an area where a pond could be constructed or a tank could sit. That space will contain all the other implements he need to raise fish – sheds, water pipeline, electrical lines, aerators, oxygen, nets and seines, feeders, and hauling trucks. Both space and water quality will dictate the size of the operation and the type of fish one could raise.

To start a freshwater fish farm, a prospective farmer may choose one of these production facilities: natural water or artificial system. Natural water means raising the fish in ponds, rivers, streams, and lakes. Artificial facilities include tanks, pools, cages and raceways. Water for use may come from springs, wells, surface water or municipal water.

Freshwater Fish Selection

The fish that one should choose to rear must meet certain attributes that should make it ideal for rearing. For a starter, it is wise to follow the advice of experts and choose the species that experts say grow well in the place’s kind of water and climate. The most commonly chosen fish for farming in the U.S. include rainbow trout, channel catfish, bass, minnow, and crayfish.

Control of Fish Farming Conditions

In terms of input, fish farming could range from extensive, intensive to highly intensive. At the low end of the range is farming that has low financial and labour input. Stocking density is low and the fish is left to nature for sustenance. At the high end is farming that involves high level of capital and labour investment. Stocking density is high, requiring the aid of equipment to maintain pond operation. Fish production is proportional to the amount of input a farmer puts into the operation.

9 Responses to "Freshwater Fish Farming".

1. PHANTT on 3/13/2009 10:09:27 PM

I AM LOOKING FOR COST BY COST BREAK DOWN OF WHAT IT WILL TAKE TO START AN AQUA FISH FARMING BUSINESS, FROM STARTING A BACKYARD BUSINESS, TO GROWING INTO A COMMERCIAL FISH FARMING BUSINESS. I NEED SOME PLACE WHERE I CAN GET "DETAILED" COST BY COST INFORMATION, AND NOT A LOT OF JUNK INFORMATION. WHERE CAN I FIND THIS, AND GAIN ACCESS TO AQUA FISH FARMERS, WHO ARE PRESENTLY IN BUSINESS. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO FIND OUT WHAT FISH/SHRIMP/OTHER, GROW BEST IN OHIO/INDIANA/KENTUCKY YEAR-ROUND WEATHER. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELP. .

2. brian casey on 5/29/2009 6:49:18 AM

I would like to start a small fresh water fish farm for breeding trout to get the experience with the view of doing it on a larger scale, I have a unit size 700sq feet to start with could you give me a rough cost to start. Kind Regards Brian Casey

3. Vijay on 8/21/2009 5:32:35 AM

Hello, I want to start fresh water Fish farming business. but i don't have any idea about this. I want proper training and education about it. So can you give me rough idea how can I get proper Education. Thanks & Regards, Vijay Deshmukh

4. LYNDON GORE on 9/2/2009 3:41:27 PM

i am in all three position to ask about fish. the only thing i knew about fish today is how to cook them and eat them.

5. brian & maryann caughell on 9/16/2009 3:36:02 PM

Hi, I look forward to hearing from you and if you have any information of contact people regarding Aquaculture-Indoor fish farming. I can ask if you know of the Manitoba facility that is changing their Swine operation to Aquaculture Fish Farming. Look forward to hearing from you on any of the above. Thanks Brian & Maryann Caughell

6. Dotun Ogundare on 9/30/2009 9:57:55 PM

I am currently employed in the US. I am thinking of starting a freshwater fish and shrimp/prawn farm in the West Coast of Africa, (Nigeria)when I retire. Could you give me some pointers on what I need to get started and the best fish and shrimp/prawn to raise in this region. Also, are there any International assistance to someone that wants to get into this type of business?

7. Paul on 10/17/2009 1:01:13 PM

I have just moved to the UAE and what to start a backyard fish farm for hobby and education with my two daughters and need some advise on how and where to get a starter kit.

8. Joseph Agbigbe on 10/27/2009 7:58:01 PM

I want to start a small catfish farm in my backyard and I need the information to start. I am informed thank there are some that breed in tank farms and some only grow to maturity in the tank.

9. Sly Bhunjun on 11/13/2009 7:17:09 AM

i have some land which would like to convert into fresh water fish farming... i live in Mauritius and would like to be advised if we can breed fresh water eels and fish ... if yes which ones??/ thanks sly

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