A Community and Forum For Aquaponic Gardeners

Looking for Local Tilapia Source, or other fish varieties

Does anyone have or know where to find Tilapia locally or other fish good for aquaponic use? I know Jon (Jon Parr) has them but just dont have the time to drive to Santa Cruz area to get some. I would really like to find a local source.

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Permalink Reply by Jon Parr on October 16, 2012 at 6:40pm

Hehe, who has time anymore? Try Justin, I sold him some a few months ago, and they should e breeding by now (I know mine from the same batch are). I do have Hawaiian Gold tilapia right now. I can box some and ship them, about $10-20 is all to ship, way cheaper than gas. I'd recommend temperates now, going into winter. I've got thousands of triploid silver carp (Cal-legal) and channel cats, and a few bluegill and sturgeon on hand.

I'm hosting a workshop this weekend, maybe somebody from Sac will come and carry some fish back? Actually, come to think of it I'll be going to Tahoe on Sunday, I could deliver...

Permalink Reply by Fishy McFisherson on October 16, 2012 at 7:37pm

I looked for quite some time with little luck. Because of the "legal issues" with tilapia outside of F&G's specified region in So-Cal, people are hesitant to be open about raising them. Occasionally there is a guy in Auburn advertising on Craigslist but I've yet to try and contact the seller. Try buying online, buying direct from hatcheries reduces the cost per fingerling quite a bit. Shipping costs will bump that up, but you will be getting the exact species/hybrid you're looking for. Well worth it,IMHO.

Permalink Reply by Fishy McFisherson on October 16, 2012 at 7:42pm

Jon, what are you asking for the triploid carp, and what kind of growth rates are you seeing with them?

Jon Parr said:

Hehe, who has time anymore? Try Justin, I sold him some a few months ago, and they should e breeding by now (I know mine from the same batch are). I do have Hawaiian Gold tilapia right now. I can box some and ship them, about $10-20 is all to ship, way cheaper than gas. I'd recommend temperates now, going into winter. I've got thousands of triploid silver carp (Cal-legal) and channel cats, and a few bluegill and sturgeon on hand.

I'm hosting a workshop this weekend, maybe somebody from Sac will come and carry some fish back? Actually, come to think of it I'll be going to Tahoe on Sunday, I could deliver...

Permalink Reply by Kevin R. on October 16, 2012 at 8:30pm

Jon, I will definetely take you up on delivery. I am only a couple of miles off hwy 50 near Folsom ( the route to tahoe). I could meet you near the freeway or would love to have you come by to check out my work in progress, Not sure of your time frame. I may want a few different species. Thanks for the generous offer and I'll get back to you by Thursday with an order.

Jon Parr said:

Hehe, who has time anymore? Try Justin, I sold him some a few months ago, and they should e breeding by now (I know mine from the same batch are). I do have Hawaiian Gold tilapia right now. I can box some and ship them, about $10-20 is all to ship, way cheaper than gas. I'd recommend temperates now, going into winter. I've got thousands of triploid silver carp (Cal-legal) and channel cats, and a few bluegill and sturgeon on hand.

I'm hosting a workshop this weekend, maybe somebody from Sac will come and carry some fish back? Actually, come to think of it I'll be going to Tahoe on Sunday, I could deliver...

Permalink Reply by Jon Parr on October 16, 2012 at 9:30pm

Cool cool. Fishy, silver carp are new to me, and I can't tell you growth rates first-hand. I expect 2-3 lbs first year, which is way over pond growth (about 3/4-1 lb first year, 3 lbs in 2 yrs). I've actually read some reports of 4 lbs first year, when kept warmish amd given constant access to food. Carp appeal to me commercially because I can get $3 per pound live weight, wholesale, picked up from my place. And they eat grass, or rabbit food, very cheap and wholesome, no fish meal. That is sustainable, warms my heart :)

Carp are about 2" long (and damned near as fat, little pigs), Hawaiian golds are about 1", and channel cats are about 4", all are $2 each discount 20% over 100, 30% over 300, 40% over 600, 50% over 1000.

Spread the word, and I'd love to see your system Kevin. I think hwy 50 is my route. I'm headed to Tom Hack's place, not sure exactly where that is yet.

Permalink Reply by Tom Hack on October 20, 2012 at 11:23am

Jon and Kevin,

Jon's route to Tahoe is Highway 50. I am going to be riding with Jon from the Sacramento area to Tahoe and would not mind checking out your setup Kevin. I just need an address and a time to meet Jon in Folsom.

Give me a call or text me the details - address and time 916-759-6939

Tom

Permalink Reply by Kevin R. on October 22, 2012 at 8:58pm

Jon, Thanks for coming by. You were a wealth of information and I look forward to the trip down to visit your place.

Fish are great!!

Tom sorry you were'nt able to make it. we will have to set up another time to meet and talk.

Permalink Reply by Jon Parr on October 24, 2012 at 3:12am

Likewise, Kevin. I am so damned envious of your petsmart wall-o-tanks. You'll have to post some bragging pics when you get them situated.