Breeding Tilapia and Eating it

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
packer43064

packer43064

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Jul 10, 2008
3,308
3
38
36
Ohio
I've always wondered what tank raised fish would taste like. I'm looking into getting some Tilapia to try and grow some up and even eat a few. Purely an experiment and not to keep them forever.

I also want to raise some as feeders or even to cut up once adults, but that is another story.

Had anyone done this? I know you can't use typical chemicals like Prime and whatnot since it isn't safe for human consumption. What do you do though? How do you feed them? Normal pellets?

Seems simple enough, but I don't want to die 12 months from now grilling up my home grown tilapia. Lol
 
check out aquatic ecosystems.. they have several types of automated fish farms.. could give you ideas to get started at least. or, right into production if willing to drop a wad
 
  • Like
Reactions: packer43064
I raise a few species of tilapia, they are very mild tasting(they taste like whatever they are seasoned with). I sell my fish and tend not to keep for personal consumption. I do a fair amount of fishing and usually have other species available for personal consumption. If you have any questions along the way, feel free to ask....
 
Wailua Boy said:
I raise a few species of tilapia, they are very mild tasting(they taste like whatever they are seasoned with). I sell my fish and tend not to keep for personal consumption. I do a fair amount of fishing and usually have other species available for personal consumption. If you have any questions along the way, feel free to ask....
Click to expand...

Sure, thanks. What kind do you raise? What is your fastest grower?

I'm doing this as more of an experiment so probably just a 55g for now. Not looking to stock the chest freezer yet at least.

How many adults could live in a 55?

Who do you sell them to? I mean as food for fish or just random people wanting tilapia?
 
I sell my fish to local markets. I raise Blue, Nile and Mozambique primarily but a few different species on occasion. My fastest growers have been hybrid crosses of the species mentioned above. I've raised breeding pairs in 55g or could house a group of juvies but they will likely outgrow a 55g in time. It would be hard to raise fillet size fish in a tank that size though.
 
Wailua Boy said:
I sell my fish to local markets. I raise Blue, Nile and Mozambique primarily but a few different species on occasion. My fastest growers have been hybrid crosses of the species mentioned above. I've raised breeding pairs in 55g or could house a group of juvies but they will likely outgrow a 55g in time. It would be hard to raise fillet size fish in a tank that size though.
Click to expand...


boldtogether said:
Tilapia in a 55....to get them big enough you will need much more space for them....unless the fillets I eat aren't tilapia...
Click to expand...

What do you guys suggest?

How big do tilapia get? I still need to figure it all out, but I thought 10 inches tops was about it. I'm no tilapia connisuier obviously. Lol
 
Perhaps a better understanding of aquaculture would be your best bet. It has always been my understanding that fish raised in a home aquarium environment are never suitable for consumption due to the diet requirements and medications sometimes needed that can affect the fish. I don't doubt the ability to raise fish for food, but fish farms have a very different way of dealing with things like growth and waste removal. Aquariums are specialized environments key on keeping fish healthy in a small space. Water perameters are closely watched...and I'm not saying they aren't watched in an aquaculture environment, it is just way different.
I believe most Tilapia get 10-12"....and think about what a couple of 10-12" fish in a 55g would require as far as taking care of them from a very small size to intimately a pan fryer. A 12" trout for example is about as small of a fish as I would care to eat.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom