There are several crustaceans used in aquaponics and their ideal temperature ranges are as follows: Prawns: 27.7°C – 31°C, Lobster: 21.6°C – 24.4°C, Oysters: 23.89°C – 26.1°C. All feed on organic plant matter and they are used to keep fish tanks clean. Each grows to plate size in Prawns 6 – 12 Months, Lobster 24 Months, Oysters 24 Months.
Crustaceans are not considered fish but offer advantages to an aquaponics system. They can be added to the aquaponics system alongside certain fish species or better still, in a separate tank, usually the sump tank. The reason for this is that fish are prone to attack and eat crustaceans. Of course, crustaceans can also be raised as food for fish.
Crustaceans for freshwater production are species such as prawns, crayfish, mussels, oysters, and lobsters. Feeding crustaceans is simple; they eat dead organic plant matter at the bottom of the fish tank. They also help to keep aquariums clean. Prawn and crayfish are fantastic when kept in Deep Water Culture Systems under the rafts because they keep the plant roots clean.
Another very popular aquaponics crustacean is Mussels. These can be grown both within grow beds and inside fish tanks. Mussels are filter-feeders, meaning they act as a filter that naturally helps to keep the floor of the water tank clean.
Conclusion
Plate Size in: Prawns 6 – 12 Months, Lobster 24 Months, Oysters 24 Months
Ideal Temperature Range: Prawns: 27.7°C – 31°C, Lobster: 21.6°C – 24.4°C, Oysters: 23.89°C – 26.1°C
