Fishes!

I can't wait to get these little guys in our system... and then EAT THEM! We'll have more details soon about how our supporters can 'name a fish' or 'name a plant' with their donations. Based on my research the best fish for our climate will be the BLUE CATFISH. Here are some stats about our future fish friends from the Aquaponics Source.


Temperature - The optimum water temperature for growth is 75 to 85º F, but fish can survive at temperatures from just above freezing to nearly 100º F. Growth is slow at temperatures less than 65º F and feeding activity essentially stops at temperatures below about 50º F. The maximum water temperature at which blue catfish can survive indefinitely is about 95º F and fish survive only briefly at temperatures above 100º F.  

Time to Harvest -  Estimated time to raise channel catfish from fingerling to food-size fish (1 to 1-1/2 pounds) is between 15 and 18 months.

Age and Growth – Blue catfish grow faster and live longer than channel catfish. They are the largest member of the catfish family. Blues may grow to lengths of over 55 inches and may weigh more than 100 pounds. Maximum life span for blues is unknown but is probably 20-25 years.