Aquaculture Feed Key Terms

Wade your way through some basic information on aquaculture feed before starting aquaculture production

By Deneatra Harmon

Aquaculture has become one of the most popular ways to farm, produce, breed and raise fish and shellfish. According to the Fisheries and Aquaculture Department of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, aquaculture accounts for almost 50 percent of worldwide fish production. Some freshwater and saltwater species that live on aquaculture feed include tilapia, salmon, shrimp, crayfish, oysters, striped bass and many others. Before diving into the world of aquaculture and aquaculture feed, get to know some of the basic terminology related to this brand of seafood production.

Aquaculture

Aquaculture is the farming or cultivating of freshwater and saltwater fish in a controlled setting, such as a fiberglass aquaculture tank or an aquarium. Aquaculture farmers raise tropical and ornamental fish, such as koi, as pets. Aquaculture also applies to the cultivation of edible fish such as trout, catfish or prawns.
Try: Detailed information about aquaculture and its processes can be located at the Tennessee Aquaculture Association. NorthernAquaFarms also gives a comprehensive introduction to aquaculture and its history.

Dry feeds

Dry feeds are nutrient-rich particles that are easier to distribute throughout aquaculture ponds, particularly in fresh water. Varieties include flakes, seeds or plant-based meal used to raise ornamental fish.
Try: Learn more about fish nutrition at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

Moist and semi-moist feeds

Semi-moist and moist feeds fall into another category of aquaculture feed, which are usually available as meal, oil or frozen pellets. They can be used to raise fresh water and salt water fish for consumption. To prevent spoilage, moist and semi-moist feeds must be stored in cool, dry facilities.
Try: Articles from the Omega Protein Corporation report on the advantages of using moist feeds, such as fish oil and fish meal.

Brine shrimp

Brine shrimp are tiny shellfish used as a saltwater aquaculture feed. Brine shrimp can also be found under the name Artemia or Artemia Cysts.
Try: Artemia International posts information on aquaculture feeding applications, storage, processing and other technical features.

Fiberglass tanks

Fiberglass tanks are lightweight, corrosion-resistant and gel-coated, which makes them safe for holding aquaculture feed and performing aquaculture-related applications. Fiberglass tanks come in all sizes, depending on the quantity of fish and shellfish to be raised. Common fiberglass tank shapes include circular, rectangular and "raceway" style.
Try: Study the differences between fiberglass tanks types and styles at the University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Cooperative Extension and Global Aquatics.

Biofilters

Biofilters are among the most common accessories used in maintaining aquaculture feed. These devices prevent contamination by cleaning, aerating and maintaining water quality in aquaculture systems. Biofilters remove excess solids, gases, nitrites and ammonia that can affect the quality of aquaculture feed in tanks.
Try: Review the basics and the benefits of biofilters at L.S. Enterprises. Integrated Aqua Systems also provides detailed information about filtration systems applications and features.