People are turning to biofloc as an alternative to other traditional types of fish farming as demand for inland fish farming expands. A frequently requested question is which fish should be started with and which is the best choice.
While the BFT approach is quickly gaining momentum both domestically and globally, there are specific fish varieties that significantly boost the chances of success for your Biofloc fish farm. Here's how to create your biofloc fish farm with high-value fish varieties.
The high-protein feed that fish require to grow plump and marketable is the most expensive aspect of aquaculture. Aside from that, one of the fundamental obstacles to fish farming is maintaining the culture of water pure and clear of fish feces. With its cyclical process of transforming fish excreta into feed, the Biofloc fish farming technology addresses both issues in a single blow, keeping culture water clean and nutritious.
Best Fishes for Biofloc Farming
Let's have a look at some fish that adapt best to the biofloc process and produce high-quality yields in the BFT environment for your biofloc fish farm.
Tilapia
Tilapia is one of the herbivorous fish species that has adapted well to the BFT system. In a well-managed BFT tank, tilapia biomass may reach 200-300 mt/ha. It is popular in the market because of its fleshy nature, ease of cooking, mild flavor with no strong odor, and low price.
Due to its invasive nature, it has been farmed in different tanks and ponds all over the world. As a result, a biofloc fish farm is an optimum infrastructure for this type of fish.
Salmon
Salmon, with its huge size, fleshy quality, and unique orange flesh with a white vein-like pattern, is one of the most widely recognized types of fish in the world. An adult salmon can weigh between 4 and 5 kgs, however, a king salmon can weigh up to 10 kgs or more. Salmon are often anadromous, meaning they hatch in freshwater, migrate to the ocean, and then return to freshwater to reproduce. Several species, however, have populations that are limited to freshwater throughout their lifetimes, making them an excellent option for a biofloc fish farm environment.
Consumption of Indian salmon, or Rawas, is known to promote healthy metabolic activity in humans, and its high protein content (ranging from 20 to 30 gm per 100 gm fillet) makes it an exceedingly nutritious component of a balanced diet. While it is naturally prevalent along the west coast, salmon farming has made it more economical and widely available throughout the Indian subcontinent.
Shrimp
Shrimp are smaller than prawns but have a similar appearance and flavor. Both are crustaceans, and although shrimp is found in saline saltwater, prawns are found in brackish environments that are somewhat salty or even freshwater. Both of these types, however, are suited to the Biofloc fish tank environment.
Carp
Carp is a meaty freshwater fish that was first seen in Europe and Asia. This omnivorous species is well-adjusted to a variety of feed alternatives and is well-adapted to the biofloc fish farming system. This variety grows best when the water temperature is kept between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius. These fish can withstand severe winters and salt levels of up to 5%. The ideal pH range for this fish to flourish is between 6.5 and 9.0. These fish are known to be robust, surviving both low oxygen levels (0.3-0.5 mg/litre) and supersaturation.
Trout
Trout are mostly freshwater species and are members of the salmon family. Trout have a wide spectrum of colors that vary from region to region since this fish has particular camouflaging properties that allow it to adapt to its environment, surroundings, and habitat. Trout may be cultivated in tanks within BFT systems and feeds on other smaller fish and invertebrates aquatic life. This fish provides around 18 grams of protein per 100 grams of fillet, making it an economical source of healthy fats and other nutrients & popular among consumers.
