Breeding your own fish?

Question

With the concerns of mercury and other toxic stuff found in fish, is it possible to breed some kind of small edible fish that doesn't require a huge area and can survive in freshwater in a northern climate? Also, assuming the original fish used to begin the breeding had mercury in them, would they pass it to their offspring, keeping in mind that they would be kept in a mercury/contamination-free environment?

Answer 1

The answer to your question is yes they would pass a small amount(very small) on to their offspring.BUT it would be a very small amount provided no more was introduced and certainly by the second generation it would be all but entirely eliminated

Answer 2

There are already more than enough species that farm quite well and adapt to all the varied conditions found in aquaculture. The problems with heavy metal are environmental to start and concentrations rise at an alarming rate as they make their way up the food chain. By controlling water quality and feed the problem of heavy metals is negligible. Decision on species to farm depends on where and what inputs. One can farm in pond, lake, river and ocean. If you wish a tighter control or have a specific goal a closed system recycling or open system non recycling tank facility can be designed. It has become a huge business venture not only for the agriculturalist, but also for their supplier. Look at aquaculture in general and see what is involved with the different systems, and species. Look at the many forms world wide from Asian rice paddies, to cage culture in the sea, to closed system hydroponics/ aquaculture.

Answer 3

Catfish should do nicely. You can buy fingerlings that have been raised in a mercury free environment. To answer your question about the mercury, if you started with fertile eggs and transferred them to a mercury free environment you should be OK. Even if they came from fish with mercury any that was transferred with the egg would be so minuscule that it would not matter. But it would be a lot easier to start with the fingerlings. Check with your local feed store. They will sell the catfish food and can arrange to have the fish delivered directly to you.