Explore the most popular fish species
for farming, including carp, tilapia, catfish, and more. Learn which fish are
best for profitability, growth rate, and easy management.
Introduction
The choice of fish species is one of the most
critical decisions in aquaculture. Different species have different
requirements for water quality, temperature, feed, growth cycle, and market
demand. By selecting the right species, farmers can ensure high survival,
fast growth, good feed conversion, and strong marketability.
In this chapter, we will explore major
freshwater, brackish water, and marine species that are commonly farmed in
India and globally. We will also discuss growth performance, feed habits,
culture techniques, and profitability for each species.
Freshwater Fish Species
Indian Major Carps (IMCs)
These are the backbone of freshwater
aquaculture in India.
- Rohu (Labeo rohita)
- Growth: 800 g–1.2 kg in 8–10 months.
- Feeding Habit: Omnivorous, prefers plant material.
- Market Demand: Very high in India.
- Profitability: ₹1.5–2 lakh per acre per cycle.
- Catla (Catla catla)
- Growth: 1–1.5 kg in 8–10 months.
- Feeding Habit: Surface feeder, prefers phytoplankton.
- Market Demand: Popular in eastern India.
- Profitability: High when cultured in polyculture.
- Mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala)
- Growth: 600–900 g in 8–10 months.
- Feeding Habit: Bottom feeder, prefers detritus and plant matter.
- Market Demand: Moderate but stable.
- Profitability: Good as part of composite culture.
Composite
Carp Farming (Rohu + Catla + Mrigal) is the most widely practiced system,
utilizing all water layers effectively.
Exotic Carps
- Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
- Growth: 1–1.5 kg in 8–10 months.
- Feeding Habit: Bottom feeder, accepts artificial feed well.
- Market Demand: High in North India and globally.
- Advantage: Can breed naturally in ponds.
- Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)
- Growth: 1.5–2 kg in 8–10 months.
- Feeding Habit: Herbivorous, consumes aquatic vegetation.
- Market Demand: Popular among health-conscious consumers.
- Advantage: Controls weed growth in ponds.
- Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)
- Growth: 1–1.5 kg in 8 months.
- Feeding Habit: Filter feeder, consumes phytoplankton.
- Disadvantage: Prone to off-flavor if water quality is poor.
Catfishes
- Pangasius (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus)
- Growth: 1–1.5 kg in 6–8 months.
- Feeding Habit: Omnivorous, thrives on pelleted feed.
- Market Demand: High export potential.
- Profitability: Very high due to fast growth and low FCR (Feed
Conversion Ratio).
- Magur (Clarias batrachus)
- Growth: 150–200 g in 6 months (slow grower).
- Feeding Habit: Carnivorous, eats small fish and insects.
- Market Demand: High for medicinal and traditional use.
- Profitability: High but limited due to slow growth.
- Singhi (Heteropneustes fossilis)
- Growth: 100–150 g in 6–8 months.
- Advantage: Can breathe atmospheric oxygen, suitable for
water-scarce areas.
- Market Demand: High in local markets.
Tilapia
- Species: Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).
- Growth: 500–700 g in 6–7 months.
- Feeding Habit: Omnivorous, highly adaptable.
- Market Demand: High due to taste and export market.
- Profitability: ₹2–2.5 lakh per acre per cycle in intensive systems.
- Advantage: Hardy, tolerates poor water quality.
Ornamental Fish
- Species: Goldfish, Guppy, Molly, Angel, Koi Carp.
- Market: Growing in urban households and export.
- Profitability: High in small tanks and backyard units.
Brackish Water Fish Species
1 Seabass (Lates calcarifer)
- Growth: 1–1.5 kg in 12 months.
- Feeding Habit: Carnivorous, requires protein-rich feed.
- Market Demand: Very high in hotels and export.
- Profitability: ₹4–5 lakh per acre per cycle.
2 Milkfish (Chanos chanos)
- Growth: 700–900 g in 8–10 months.
- Feeding Habit: Herbivorous, feeds on algae.
- Market Demand: Popular in Southeast Asia.
- Profitability: Moderate but low input cost.
3 Mullet (Mugil spp.)
- Growth: 500–800 g in 8–10 months.
- Feeding Habit: Detritus feeder, low feed requirement.
- Market Demand: Moderate but niche consumers.
- Advantage: Suited for integrated systems.
Marine Fish Species
1 Pomfret (Pampus argenteus)
- Growth: 700–900 g in 10–12 months.
- Market Demand: Very high, premium seafood.
- Profitability: High but requires hatchery seed.
2 Groupers (Epinephelus spp.)
- Growth: 1–2 kg in 12–14 months.
- Feeding Habit: Carnivorous.
- Market Demand: Strong in international markets.
- Profitability: Excellent for cage farming.
3 Mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta)
- Growth: 250–300 g in 8 months.
- Market Demand: High as a low-cost marine fish.
- Advantage: Can be reared in marine cages.
Shellfish & Other Species
1 Prawns & Shrimps
- Species: Tiger Prawn (Penaeus monodon), Whiteleg Shrimp
(Litopenaeus vannamei).
- Growth: 20–25 g in 3–4 months.
- Market Demand: Extremely high for export.
- Profitability: ₹6–10 lakh per acre per cycle.
- Risk: Disease outbreaks (e.g., White Spot Syndrome).
2 Crabs (Mud Crab - Scylla serrata)
- Growth: Market size (500–800 g) in 5–6 months.
- Market Demand: Strong in coastal states and export.
- Profitability: High but requires careful handling.
3 Pearl Oyster (Pinctada spp.)
- Not for meat but for pearls.
- Profitability: High-value but long-term (2–3 years).
- Market: Jewelry and ornament industry.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Species
- Market Demand –
Always farm species that have local or export demand.
- Growth Rate –
Fast-growing species reduce culture period and risk.
- Water Quality Suitability –
Match species with available water conditions.
- Feed Availability –
Some species (like Pangasius, Tilapia) thrive on artificial feed.
- Risk & Management –
Intensive species (shrimp, seabass) are profitable but risky.
- Profit Margin –
Calculate input vs. output before deciding.
Most Profitable Species for
Farmers (2025 Trends)
- Freshwater:
Pangasius, Tilapia, Rohu, Catla.
- Brackish Water:
Seabass, Whiteleg Shrimp.
- Marine: Pomfret, Grouper.
- Others: Mud Crab, Pearl Oyster.
Conclusion
The success of aquaculture depends on
selecting the right species based on climate, water quality, and market
demand. Freshwater carps remain the backbone of Indian aquaculture, but
species like Tilapia, Pangasius, and Vannamei shrimp are revolutionizing
the industry with higher growth and profitability.
By diversifying species and adopting
polyculture, farmers can maximize pond utilization, reduce risks, and ensure
steady income. Ultimately, the best fish to farm is one that balances local
demand, production cost, and sustainability.
FAQs
1. Which fish species are most profitable for
farming?
Tilapia, catfish, carp, and pangasius are among the most profitable fish
species for farming worldwide.
2. Why is tilapia popular in fish farming?
Tilapia is hardy, fast-growing, easy to manage, and widely consumed, making it
one of the top choices for aquaculture.
3. Is catfish farming profitable?
Yes, catfish farming is highly profitable due to its strong market demand, fast
growth, and adaptability to different water conditions.
4. Which fish is best for small-scale farmers?
Tilapia and carp are best for beginners and small-scale farmers because they
require low investment and grow well in ponds.
5. Can I farm multiple fish species together?
Yes, polyculture (farming multiple species together) is possible with
compatible species like carp and tilapia, which use different food sources.
suggested reading
1.Pearl Farming: The Complete Global Guide to Profitable Pearl Cultivation (2025)
