Guide to Fish Key Terms

Learn the important concepts in raising fish

By Laurie Edwards

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Fish can be raised in many different ways. Fish farms and hatcheries raise fish on a large scale to either sell or release. Newer technologies raise fish in cages in their natural environment. Hobbyists care for fish in large or small tanks or in outdoor ponds.

If fish are kept in enclosed spaces or tanks, they need special equipment to maintain the water and keep them healthy. Breeders need biofilters, aerators and other supplies to add oxygen to the water, clean out wastes, maintain the temperature and replicate the fishes' natural environment.

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Aquaponics

With the emphasis on organic foods, aquaponics is growing in popularity. Aquaponics combines hydroponics (growing vegetables without soil) and aquaculture. When fish are raised with the vegetables, their waste naturally fertilizes the plants. At the same time, the fish benefit because the plants filter the water.

I recommend: Nelson and Pade discuss the advantages of aquaponics.

Ocean Cage Aquaculture Technology (OCAT)

In Ocean Cage Aquaculture Technology (OCAT), a submerged mooring grid holds cages in place underwater. The fish stay in their natural environment, but are confined by the cages. A variety of cages are used to accommodate different types of fish.

I recommend: The Atlantic Marine Aquaculture Center explains Ocean Cage Aquaculture Technology (OCAT) and shows pictures of some of the different cages.

Fish hatcheries

Fish hatcheries breed and raise fish in an enclosed area. When the fish are grown, the hatcheries may sell the fish either for tanks or for food. Other times, they are used to stock lakes or streams in the wild.

I recommend: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides highlights of some of the hatcheries throughout the United States. Links at the bottom of the page also showcase other hatcheries.

Biofilters

Biofilters convert ammonia to nitrate in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). The ammonia comes from the fishes' gills and from organic matter that is decomposing. It needs to be removed from the water to keep the fish healthy.

I recommend: L.S. Enterprises answers several questions about biofilters.

Aeration and aerators

Fish that live in the wild draw their oxygen from the large lake or stream surface, but fish that are kept in tanks or enclosed spaces cannot get enough oxygen. They depend on aeration. Aerators pump oxygen into the water to keep the fish alive.

I recommend: For information on aeration and aerators, see forum.aqua-fish.net.

Soybean meal

Because it is renewable and easy for fish to digest, the U.S. Soybean Export Council recommends using soybean meal to feed fish. One of soy's major advantages is that it grows quickly and is readily available in many countries around the world.

I recommend: The U.S. Soybean Export Council lists the benefits of soybean.