Raising fish to eat is known as aquaponics, a rewarding form of sustainable agriculture. With aquaponics, you know that your fish have the best life and that their meat will be rich and healthy. Eating pet fish may not appeal to all animal lovers, but many believe it’s the most ethical and humane way to eat aquatic fish. So, if you’re considering taking fishkeeping to the next level, splash into this list of six pet fish you can eat.
1. Bluegill (AKA Sunfish or Bream)
Diet: Omnivore
Size: 5 – 12 inches
Growth Rate: Fast
Harvest Age: 12 months
Harvest Weight: 1+ pounds
Water Temperature: 64 – 79 Fahrenheit
Ideal pH: 6.5 – 8.5
The first entry on our list of pet fish you can eat is the bluegill. This small, hardy creature is ideal for small and beginner setups. Its size and rapid growth rate make it popular in aquaponics. It is ready to harvest in 10 – 12 months. Bluegills are readily available in aquatic stores, mix well with other fish, and are easy to keep and handle.
The downside of bluegills is that they eat a lot, and if their environment isn’t ideal, they can take a long time to grow. They also need plenty of aquarium plants and hiding places. It’s easy to tell males from females; males have a red belly, and females have a yellow underside, but they are difficult to breed in captivity.
2. Catfish Are Hardy and Adaptable
Diet: Omnivore
Size: 12+ inches
Growth Rate: Fast
Harvest Age: 5 – 10 months
Harvest Weight: 1+ pounds
Water Temperature: 65 – 90 Fahrenheit
Ideal pH: 7 – 8
The catfish is a common pet fish for beginner and advanced owners, and there are hundreds of types available. They are distinctive due to their facial whiskers, which give them their name. Common catfish are super hardy and adaptable and will eat pretty much anything you offer them, making them ideal for beginners. They will grow large and need a lot of space, but they are one of the best freshwater tank cleaners and will help to keep the water clean.
Catfish are fairly peaceful creatures. They live in harmony with most fish species, making them perfect for a diverse aquaponic system. These attractive fish thrive in a range of water conditions and benefit from a high-protein diet. Their waste is high in nutrients and acts as fertilizer for aquarium plants. Be warned about handling some catfish species because some have sharp spines on their body.
3. Crappie Are Both Resilient and Tasty
Diet: Omnivore
Size: 8 inches
Growth Rate: Slow
Harvest Age: 1 – 2 years
Harvest Weight: 1 – 2 pounds
Water Temperature: 60 – 75 Fahrenheit
Ideal pH: 6.5 – 8.2
The crappie, a type of sunfish, is another popular fish for aquaponics. There are black and white varieties, but they have similar care needs, and both taste delicious. Crappies are incredibly hardy and can survive in a range of water temperatures, making them a perfect low-maintenance fish for beginners. Still, novices must be aware that these fish reproduce at a young age and can quickly overpopulate an aquaponic system.
The downside to crappies is that they can be picky eaters, are slow growers, and aren’t great with other fish. They can be aggressive and territorial, especially at breeding time, so you shouldn’t keep them with smaller species because they may eat their tank mates.
4. Pacu: Raised and Eaten in South America
Diet: Herbivore
Size: 12+ inches
Growth Rate: Fast
Harvest Age: 8 – 12 months
Harvest Weight: 1+ pounds
Water Temperature: 72 – 84 Fahrenheit
Ideal pH: 6.5 – 7
The pacu fish is a distant cousin of flesh-eating piranhas, but surprisingly, it is primarily vegetarian. The pacu is a popular aquaponic fish because it is a fast grower, easy to care for, and tastes delicious. This fish is incredibly hardy and adaptable but is not ideal for beginners because they don’t get on with other fish and are difficult to handle. These guys breed effortlessly and are fast growers – they’re ready to eat in around eight months. Pacus can be huge, require a lot of space, and benefit from added protein in their diet.
5. Tilapias Are Commonly Raised and Consumed
Diet: Omnivore
Size: 10+ inches
Growth Rate: Fast
Harvest Age: 6 – 9 months
Harvest Weight: 1 – 2 pounds
Water Temperature: 80 – 85 Fahrenheit
Ideal pH: 6.5 – 9
The tilapia is the most common pet fish that people raise to eat. It has a mild, delicious taste and delicate white flesh, making it a favorite among the edible fish-keeping community. They are super hardy, can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 Fahrenheit, and grow to full size in a year. Tilapias are perfect for first-time fish owners because they handle stress well, are readily available, and mix well with other fish. These fish also tolerate high-density stocking and breed quickly and easily. Tilapia fish are subject to regulation in certain states, so check their legality before buying one.
6. Trout Meat is Rich and Nourishing
Diet: Omnivore
Size: 15+ inches
Growth Rate: Slow
Harvest Age: 12 – 16 Months
Harvest Weight: 2+ pounds
Water Temperature: 45 – 65 Fahrenheit
Ideal pH: 6.5 – 8
The final entry on our list of pet fish you can eat is the humble yet delicious trout. Trout are distant cousins of salmon, and their meat is super nourishing and high in protein and fatty acids. These fish are super hardy, disease-resistant creatures, but they aren’t the best breed for beginners because they need pristine living conditions. They are river fish, so they like cool, well-oxygenated water and plenty of space, and there are many varieties suitable for home aquaponics.
The downside to keeping trout to eat is that they grow incredibly slowly, and you can’t keep them with other fish.
