This is a warm water fish whose ideal temperature range is 21.11°C – 27.7°C. It is popular in Australia, a viable, hardy, and easy to manage species. It is adaptable to temperature changes for short periods, but is slow-growing and has a carnivorous diet. It reaches plate size in 9 – 16 months.
Perch for aquaponics comes in Jade, Silver, (Australian natives) and Yellow (N. American native) varieties are popular aquaponics fish. Perch is a good fish for beginners to start with because they are adaptable to various conditions. Perch typically thrive in water temperatures ranging from 21°C – 27°C. However, they can withstand down to 17.7°C water. It is best to avoid using them where it can get very cold for extended periods.
Both Jade and Silver Perch are easy to manage and grow. Their tolerance range is quite wide and can handle cooler water. Keep in mind that if this is the case, as in warmer water fish their growth will slow. This, in turn, slows their metabolism and growth-producing fewer nutrients for plants.
Although they have a largely vegetarian diet and growing most of their food is possible, the diet of perch is primarily carnivorous, small fish, insects, and shrimp, etc.
They can be introduced to pellet consumption and plant matter, but because perch have carnivorous diets feeding can involve more expense and effort. This can be offset with growing black soldier fly larvae to add to their diet. They can take a longer time frame to mature, from fingerlings, for example, Silver perch may fully mature at 16 months. They are quite tasty but patience is required for them to develop.
Conclusion
Plate Size in 9 – 16 Months
Viable, popular in Australia, hardy, warm water fish, easy to manage, adaptable for short periods, slow-growing, carnivorous diet
Ideal Temperature Range: 21.11°C – 27.7°C
