Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I have had some trouble finding a hatchery to sell me fingerlings in small quantities. Therefore, along with a few goldfish, I have started adding some wild fish to my (110 US gallon) system that I have caught out of a local creek. The most notable species I have caught is the Red Eyed Bass, sometimes called Rock Bass or just Red Eye. I can't find much info on them but I think they are Ambloplites rupestris or Ambloplites constellatus. I am thinking that they may turn into a good species for AP systems here in Indiana, USA. They are not as aggressive as Largemouth Bass or Smallies and do not seem to bother other fish species at all. Their temperament reminds me of Bluegill more than Bass. Also, they started eating on the second day in the system. They will only nibble the pellet food, so I have had to feed them night crawlers and roly polys I have dug out of the garden, which they take without hesitation. Still, though, I think they will start taking the pellet food eventually. I have put about 6 of them in the system varying from 2 inches to about 7 inches in length. In some other places, I have caught them upwards of a pound, decent eating size but would like to raise larger ones. So here are my questions regarding this species:

1. How big could they get in captivity?

2. The stream I got them from has a risk of some contamination and Indiana DNR recommends limited consumption of fish from this watershed. Will any contaminants in the fish cycle out of them? They are in treated tap water, in which the ammonia cycle was started by feeder goldfish.

3. How akin to keeping Bream would these be?

4. Does anyone have any experience at all with this species that they could share?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Clyde M
theweedeater.us
instagram.com/theweedeater

Welcome to the forum

No experience with them. But, someone on here has probably tried. Welcome

Thanks for the kind welcomes!

Any update on the Rock Bass? Did they learn to eat pellets?

tia

wkinne,


There are 11 "licensed" Aquaculture Facilities in Michigan that list "rock bass" (Ambloplites rupestris) as one of their facility species. There might be one nearby that you could visit or that would answer your questions. Addresses and phone numbers can be found in the Aquaculture Facilities List by County linked below:

Start Here: Aquaculture in Michigan, An Overview
AQUACULTURE FACILITIES LIST BY COUNTY

Good luck!

--
Sam