Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Anyone in the U.S. trying these yet?

Hi Gotfish,
The species here is called Golden Perch or the comon name is "yellowbelly" which is native to Australia.
Are you saying that you have a similar species in the USA ?

Muzza

www.aquaponics.net.au

Not sure if thats the same fishie Murray.
From the local DNR Web site:
Characteristics - sides bright yellow to brassy green with 7 dark vertical bars; lighter belly and dark olive green back
• Distribution - statewide, greatest abundance in natural lakes
• Foods - small fishes, aquatic insects, small crayfish, and snails
• State Record - 2 pounds, 3 ounces - Morse Lake, Wright County, April 1994 - Daniel Borchardt, Mason City, Iowa

Hey GF:

Found this, good background. I am interested in what you find about them; still looking for a good food fish to try to grow next year. The downside to blue gills and perch are that they aren't omnivorous like tilapia, seems that you'd have to feed them other animals or fish (or buy pellet food).

http://www.ftai.com/articles/GAAManciDec00.pdf

Your right dave. I'm in the same boat. To cold for tilapia unless I take them inside. I'd much rather raise a local fish, better market I'd think. I have thought about bluegill, sunfish or yellow perch. My brother says trout but id think they would be seriously picky about water conditions. I'm leaning towards yellow perch or a hybred bluegill but have to get alot more questions answered. Seems there is a supplier around the area. Looks like the price is around .50 per fingerling but i dont want them dieing on me so alot more research. I'll keep you posted.

Good link Dave, everything I read about them shows a good market potential. Local taverns and such would be my target I guess. I'd be happy to just keep em alive and sell some veggies too. I'll post some links for info later. Think to start with it would be best to go with low stocking densities for sure at least till one got a hold on the system. Plus it looks so much better to see the fish enjoying room to swim.

Info here just have to wade through it.ncrac

From what I have read 77 deg is the best for growout in water temp. they start stressing at 86 not that I'll have to worry about the highs anymore this year. They seem to be a pretty hardy fish and I'll be using, Fish chow and Aquamax pellets, as well as worms for feed.
Although they take two seasons to reach a market size in ponds in a recirculating system one year should do it, assuming the optimum temps are kept. Next will they give up some babies.

This is the key for me. I am definately interested in the results because I would like to move my tanks outside.

Such a nice fish MF if only one could get the hatchery part down pat

So many fish, so little time...

John where have you gone?

Back didnt know we was back on line dang hackers. so all is well. The yellow perch havent taken to the pellet feed too much but they eat it over time. Love fresh guppy flesh and worms though. From 50 I am down to Id guess 38 havent kept a real good death count.

i suspect it is pretty cold for them eh? That's ok natural selection will leave you with some breeders maybe?

Water temps haven't gone below the mid 50's on the freezing nights I light off a small LP heater which keeps the air temp up. Still have green peppers to eat. The poly walls freeze up but air temps stay above freezing. Hoping to get some breeders for sure. Could use your help on that MF.