Nicholas James
A word of warning for start-up producers
Prospective fish producers should consider all the hurdles that stand in the way of making a profit.
Southeast Asia’s formula for top ornamental fish
To produce quality ornamental fish, a breeder must establish a habitat that is as natural as possible, with food sources such micro-algae and insect larvae.
How to safeguard your fish against the cold
A severe drop in water temperature can kill tilapia fish stock in an aquaculture system, and a proper heating system is the only solution.
A tilapia model that SA should be emulating
Land ownership of the supply chain has enabled a number of countries to produce thousands of tons of tilapia annually. There is little reason why this cannot take place in South Africa.
How to distinguish similar-looking juvenile cichlids
Approximately 15 cichlid species occur in South Africa. To the untrained eye, several appear confusingly alike, especially as juveniles. So make sure you get the right tilapia species for your aquaculture enterprise!
Fish production: simplicity or sophistication?
A recirculating system and a pond farm are at opposite ends of the aquaculture spectrum. The sweet spot is somewhere in between.
Aquaponics: get it right, or grow veggies on their own!
Many aquaponics operations focus only on plant yield and ignore fish production. These are merely hydroponic systems that use expensive means to fertilise their plants.
Shortcomings of modern water pumps
Choose the best pump you can afford for your system. A cheap purchase will end up costing you money.
The desert: hot, dry, and perfect for fish production
Groundwater extracted from arid areas is often unsuitable for irrigation, but it would be ideal for aquaculture.
Which fish should be farmed in SA, and where?
Our climate varies dramatically from season to season, limiting the fish species that can be used in aquaculture, and the locations where it can take place.
Beware the peddlers of fake news in aquaculture!
It’s time to expose the urban legend that South Africa is too cold for tilapia farming, even in outdoor ponds.
Farmers can help save endangered fish species
The populations of many indigenous fish are in decline. Here’s an easy and practical solution to boost their numbers.
Aquaculture in Africa: the successes and failures
Developments such as cage culture of tilapia and small, privately owned pond systems signal a positive trend.
Indigenous species: let’s widen the net for aquaculture
A number of indigenous Southern African fish species would be ideal for aquaculture operations. It’s time for serious research into their potential.
Why fish farming is booming in Zambia, and not in SA
Private fish farms and government are working together to breed tilapia and grow aquaculture production in Zambia.
The best fish species for aquaponics
While the Nile tilapia is the fastest grower, it is easier to obtain a permit for the slower-growing Mozambique tilapia.
Understanding the great trout debate
The production of trout remains a heated topic between conservationists and aquaculturists.
The divide between knowledge and experience
Many experts have the theoretical knowledge, but fail to put themselves in the shoes of the rural, small-scale fish farmer.
Green water fish culture: the perfect alternative
Green water culture provides a highly nutritious ‘soup’ of feed for fish stock, promoting faster growth. It also cuts out the high cost of artificial feed.
Theft ruining the hopes of aquaculture in Africa
Small-scale aquaculture will never succeed if producers are forced to finance heavy-security fencing for their ponds.
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