Fish Basics

Learn fish basics before beginning a fish farm
By L. Newton Most do not think of raising fish when they think of farming. However, there is a need for fish farms. Farm-raised fish are preferred over many wild-caught fish because the fish are healthier. The fish on a farm receive regular monitoring and feeding. They are much more likely to be free of disease than fish in rivers and oceans.

Some fish farms are fish hatcheries where one raises and sells baby fish. Other fish farms raise fish for catching and eating. Some raise fish for the entertainment and visual pleasure of watching. Consider the following when examining the fish basics:

1. People raise and sell both fresh water fish and saltwater fish for their meat.

2. Some raise and sell colorful tropical fish for aquariums.

3. People sell baby fish to stock ponds.

Raise fish for the meat they produce

People eat several different varieties of fish. While some people catch these fish in the wild, most come from a fish farm. Farmers raise freshwater fish and saltwater fish. Catfish, Talbot, and salmon are among the varieties they sell to fish markets and stores. These fish farmers typically raise the fish to a particular size and then sell them to fish processing plants or fresh fish markets. Eating farm-raised fish has gained popularity because the fish are safer to eat and often cheaper.
Try:  Learn more about fish farming from Virginia Tech. Time offers an article that discusses the dangers of beginning a fish farm.

Begin a fish hatchery

Fish sold from a fish hatchery are not large enough to eat. People buy these fish by the hundreds and use them to stock ponds. Some fish go to private ponds built by avid fishermen. In other cases, local or state park officials buy these baby fish from a fresh fish hatchery to begin raising fish for park visitors. If you're considering a hatchery, some fish farms sell larger fish for meat and also have a fish hatchery department on the side.
Try:  Look more into fish hatcheries at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serivce. Learn about fish hatcheries in Michigan.

Consider selling fish for entertainment purposes

Some fish are very bright and colorful, and many find it relaxing to sit and watch them swim. Fish sold for this purpose are usually smaller and raised in containers. For this type of fish farming you will need aquariums and small garden ponds. Unless you sell fish wholesale for resale at places such as pet stores, most purchase these fish in smaller quantities. These fish include tropical fish such as guppies and betas. People also sell novelty garden pond fish such as fantail goldfish and Koi. Koi are very valuable, and you can get a good return for your investment.
Try:  Learn details of setting up tropical fish farms from the Aquaculture Network Information Center. Gain information about raising Koi fish from Bretts Fish Farm.

• Different types of fish require different equipment and care. Closely examine all of the maintenance and supplies needed for each type of fish before making your decision about which type of farm to begin.