The BFT is rapidly emerging as a sustainable and relatively cheap way of aquaculture. To reduce water use and enhance productivity, biofloc systems rely on beneficial microbes that convert wastes into usable biomass, which in turn becomes an additional feed resource for the cultured species. With promises of high-density stocking, feed efficiency, and minimal water exchange, biofloc farming has thus emerged as a favourite among contemporary fish farmers, especially in areas where water is scarce or expensive.
Before undertaking a biofloc farm, it is crucial to consider the sort of fish or aquatic animal best suited for it because not all fish species fare well in biofloc systems. In selecting the fish that can withstand a high-density environment, that can adjust to changing water quality conditions, and that confer some nutritional value from biofloc, will determine to a large extent the success of your biofloc farm. Below are some of the best fish for biofloc farming, their benefits, and considerations.
1. Tilapia
The fish species considered to be the ultimate one for biofloc systems would be tilapia. These animals thrive under the conditions of high population density. They are highly adaptive to drastic water condition changes and are able to consume either artificial feed or biofloc particles. Their omnivorous feeding habits allow considerable digestion of the proteinaceous microbial biomass produced in the system.
Pros:
Fast-growing
High survivability
Disease resistant
Withstands low oxygen and high ammonia levels
Due to their hardiness and adaptability, tilapias are very popular among beginner biofloc farmers.
2. Catfish (Clarias spp. or Pangasius spp.)
Catfish, both Clarias (magur) and Pangasius (basa), can aptly take advantage of the biofloc environment so much so that they can thrive when water quality is poor and high stocking densities are maintained. They are bottom feeders but will also consume floating feed as well as biofloc particles suspended in the suspended particles in the water column.
Pros:
Resistant to stresses posed by the environment
High demand in the market
Fast-growing in controlled environments
Adaptive nature has made it more or less a choice for semi-intensive to intensive biofloc setups.
3. Common Carp
Another freshwater fish that does quite well in the biofloc systems is common carp (Cyprinus carpio). The omnivorous fish feeds upon microbial flocs efficiently while also accepting formulated feeds.
Advantages:
High feed conversion efficiency
Could be cultured under mixed-species culture
Good growth in controlled environments
Carp species are mostly used in polyculture biofloc systems where biofloc systems provide an ecosystem within which various fish species belonging to carp families are grown to different feeding zones (surface, midwater, and bottom).
4. Rohu (Labeo rohita)
The rohu can be raised in a biofloc system given very good management, since it is slightly more sensitive than tilapia or catfish. The species, by way of feeding, occupies surface to column space, and when grown with other species it uses well the vertical space in tanks or ponds.
Advantages:
High consumer demand in South Asia
Protein is of good quality
Compatible with polyculture
For farmers already familiar with Berg Rohu farming, maybe accepting a biofloc system with rohu needs careful attention to water parameters.
5. Milkfish (Chanos chanos)
The coastal area of biofloc farming is increasingly interested in the milkfish, especially in slightly saline water. Being omnivorous and tolerant to high stocking density, it suits biofloc in a brackish water environment.
Advantages:
Tolerant of salinity fluctuation
Resistant to diseases
Capable of good growth under a low-input system
Even though this is lesser known than the tilapia or the catfish, it is the fish to come into the limelight in biofloc farming in coastal areas.
Key Considerations for Choosing Fish in Biofloc
When choosing fish for biofloc, the following must be considered:
Feeding Behaviour: Omnivorous or detritivorous fish species are ideal for bio-floc systems because they are able to consume the floc.
Oxygen Tolerance: In high stocking densities, lower levels of Dissolved Oxygen (DO) will be found; hence, species with greater tolerance are preferred.
Market Demand: Go for the species locally demanded to ensure the sale.
Growth Rate: It is a slower-growing species that gives you slower returns; it is also the real productivity system for biofloc that fast-growing fish utilise.
Also, go for healthy fingerlings from a reputed hatchery and perform water-quality analysis at regular intervals (pH, temperature, ammonia levels, DO levels) so as not to stress out the fish but to have them grow steadily.
Conclusion
The biofloc technology has introduced a concept in fish farming that allows high-yield production with little water requirement. The selection of animal species becomes an essential aspect if one is to employ this system to its fullest potential. Depending on your local environment and market needs, tilapia, catfish, common carp, rohu, and milkfish are some of the species that adapt very well to biofloc set-ups.
By understanding the unique features of any species and aligning them with the resources and goals of your farm, you can develop a biofloc operation that is both profitable and ecologically sound.
FAQs on Best Fish for Biofloc Farming
1. What is the best fish for beginners starting a biofloc system?
Tilapia would be the best choice for beginners, as they are hardy, fast-growing, and highly adaptable to the biofloc conditions.
2. Can I farm multiple fish species together in a biofloc system?
Yes, polyculture can be done. Commonly, these three are combined: rohu, catla, and mrigal. But concerning water quality, take care so that it favours all species.
3. Do fish eat the biofloc directly?
Yes, many omnivorous and detritivorous fishes do eat biofloc directly as a protein-rich feed supplement.
4. Is catfish suitable for biofloc farming?
Thanks for explaining. Catfish, Clarias and Pangasius, are highly suitable given that they can handle very high stocking densities and fluctuating water quality.
5. Can biofloc farming be done in saline or brackish water?
Yes, since milkfish and tilapia can tolerate some salinity, they are compatible with brackish water biofloc systems.
