Starting a fish farm is regarded as a smart way to generate revenue and improve one’s living standard in Nigeria. But starting a fish farm is often very difficult because aspiring fish farmers don’t have land.
Well, one way around this problem is starting your fish farming at home. This is more common than you might think. But how does one do this profitably? That is what this article would reveal.
In this article, I would provide details about how you can start your fish farm at home. You would find this informative especially if you are interested in catfish farming.
How profitable is fish farming?
As a fish farmer, you probably want to make some money from your fish farm. So, it’s reasonable to ask if fish farming is even profitable in Nigeria. The short answer is yes. Fish farming is of course still profitable in Nigeria. I would go into some important factors you should keep in mind later in the article when we go over what it takes to farm fish in Nigeria from your home.
How long does it take for fish to grow?
All fish are not the same. For example, it takes about 4-5 months for catfish to grow while for mackerel it can take between 4 to 7 months. So, if you want to farm fish in Nigeria, you have to understand the species of fish involved and how long it takes for that fish to grow.
How to grow fish at home for beginners?
Growing fish in your backyard in Nigeria is very possible, however there are a few things to consider when trying to do this.
I would go over some of these factors first.
1. Space
To create a fish pond at home, you might decide to use a concrete pond, tarpaulin or a tank. Whichever one you choose would require you to have enough space.
You would also need enough space to accommodate the tanks for water supply and your ponds.
The amount of space you would need depends on how much fish you intend to farm. For example, if you are preparing a pond for 100 fish, you would need up to 4 feet of floor space.
2. Water supply
Another thing you have to figure out is water supply. If you are trying to start a fish pond at home, you would most likely use a water tank for your pond. So, consider getting a large tank that is connected to a borehole system for pumping water. This is more preferable than paying for water trucks every now and then.
Don’t forget that you would need a power supply if you decide to pump your own water.
3. Drainage
As a fish farmer, draining water from your pond is important to keep your fish healthy. It is also a way of harvesting your fish. So, you need to create a drainage system for removing water from your pond.
4. Budget
Besides the important factors already mentioned, there would be other costs associated with starting your fish farm. For example, you need to buy fingerlings to start your farm. You also need to invest in fish feed. These kinds of expenses need to be included in your budget.
Having considered these factors, let us outline the steps you would have to take when setting up your fish farm at home.
- Prepare your pond. This could mean either creating a concrete pond, a tarpaulin pond or purchasing a suitable tank that would serve as your pond.
- Prepare an adequate source of water like getting a good tank for water storage.
- Set up a working drainage system to make water management and supply easy.
- Purchase healthy fingerlings and start your fish farm.
Just like any other business, there are a lot of other things that go into running a fish farm. But here are a few things you should keep an eye on if you want to ensure success;
- The feed you chose for your fish should be carefully selected. It should have a good mix of the nutrients necessary for growth of your fish. Understand the nutritional needs of the fish specie and choose the right feed for your species of fish. This is important if you want to ensure your fish grows well and remains healthy.
- Take note of the kind of water you keep in your pond. Contaminated or poisoned water can kill off young fish. You have to remove stale water from time to time and replace it with fresh water. Also remember that you should allow your pond water to go acidic.
Catfish is a favourite among Nigerian fish farmers for various reasons;
- Shorter time to harvest– Catfish can grow big enough for harvest in as little as 5 months.
- High market demand for catfish- There is a growing demand for this delicious or nutritious species of fish in Nigeria.
- Small capital investment- Catfish farming can be started with little space. So, you don’t have to spend a lot on land acquisition. In fact, you can even set this up in your backyard.
What does it take to farm catfish?
One important expense you have to keep an eye on is the cost of fish feed. You have to clarify the price and plan for price changes properly otherwise you might end up running an unprofitable fish farm. For best results in terms of growth, strive to feed your fish at least twice a day.
As for changing your pond water, this is a balancing act. You have to strike a balance between keeping your fish healthy and keeping costs low so that you can turn a profit. You can change water once every 5 days. My recommendation is that you explore methods to reduce the amount of times you perform water change to as little as twice a month. You can use a pond filter to remove solid wastes and an aerator
Is fish farming still profitable in Nigeria?
Yes, fish farming is very profitable in Nigeria if you know what you are doing. I must state that taking time to properly learn the business before starting your farm would save you a lot of costs and make your business resilient under harsh economic conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let us go over some frequently asked questions you might have about fish farming at home.
Which feed is best for fish farming?
The rule of thumb in choosing the best feed is to use a feed that contains the essential nutrients your fish needs to grow. There is no single feed that is perfect. You should focus on ensuring your fish have the nutrients they need to grow.
Can I feed my catfish garri?
Catfish can eat garri but it is not particularly nutritious. You should feed catfish with a formula that provides suitable nutrients for growth.
What is the best fish to start farming?
For newbies, you can choose from either catfish or Tilapia. These are great fish for starters. The main reason is because of the quick turnaround time and the low capital needed to start.