Freshwater Types Of Fish In Kenya That You Can Farm For Profit

Fish farming is one of the most promising agricultural ventures in Kenya. It is a profitable venture that can provide a reliable source of income to farmers. But before you venture into fish farming, you need to be knowledgeable about the types of fish you can farm for profit. So which are the freshwater types of fish in Kenya?

Fish farming involves raising fish commercially in ponds. From catfish to tilapia, there are different types of fish that you can raise on fish farms. The rewards of successful fish farming can be significant, and any aspiring farmer can embark on this rewarding business venture. But how much do you know about inland fish in Kenya?

Freshwater types of fish in Kenya

Kenya is endowed with many freshwater resources that support different types of fish. But what type of fish are found in Kenya? Here is a list of types of fish you can farm in Kenya for profit.

1. Tilapia

Tilapia is the main type of fish in Kenya. It accounts for approximately 90% of farmed fish in the country. Most farmers prefer to invest in tilapia fish because they are adaptable to different environments. If you want to invest in tilapia fish farming in Kenya, you must put in place measures to control overpopulation since it multiplies very fast.

The fish will aggressively compete for food if you fail to control the population. Tilapia fish is widely consumed in Kenya, and there is a high demand for it in the market.

2. Catfish

This is the most common type of fish reared in ponds in Kenya. It is mostly used to control the population of Tilapia fish in the ponds. The tilapia fish is quite prolific, and it multiplies very fast. If left unchecked, the ponds may be unable to hold the Tilapia fish population.

Most farmers usually place the catfish in ponds so that they can ingest tilapia fingerlings to reduce population growth. The catfish can easily be distinguished from other fish types because it lacks scales. It is renowned for its high protein content and is attractive to health-conscious consumers.

Catfish is the ideal choice for you if you want to produce larger fish for a premium market because it can grow to a larger size. The best aspect of catfish is that you can farm it in an area with limited access to clean water because it can tolerate poor water quality.

3. Trout fish

The list of types of fish in Kenyan fish farms cannot be complete without the mention of the trout fish. This is the second most expensive fish in the country after Nile perch. Kenya's trout fish farming sector is small, with only a few farms in the country. This type of fish is normally farmed in the cold waters of the Mount Kenya region.

The trout fish requires a lot of oxygen, and you need to construct the pond to have an inlet and outlet. But the good news is that the demand for trout fish supersedes supply. Therefore, you are guaranteed to earn lucrative revenues from the venture.

4. Mud fish

Mud fish, locally known as kamongo, is an important food for the local Luo community around the lake. It is one of the fish types you can find in fishponds near the shores of lakes or swampy areas. They remain buried in the mud during the dry season to avoid dehydration.

Kamongo is a popular delicacy in the Luo community as it is believed to have medicinal ingredients. But its consumption has spread beyond the lake region.

5. Common carp fish

Common carp is one of the most popular types of pond or aquarium fish. Its farming is gaining popularity in Kenya mainly because of its fast growth and ability to adapt to many conditions. It can be reared in both hot and cold areas. The species can survive a very long time on low oxygen.

6. Koi fish

The Koi fish fetches a high price in the market since it is sought after by an exclusive clientele of ornamental fish buyers. But, this fish breed is very sensitive to the environment. When constructing the ponds, you need to line the walls with organic and inorganic manure to allow plankton to grow for the fish to eat.

Types of fish in Kenya - Wrapping up

There you have it. The freshwater types of fish in Kenya you can farm for a profit. You can readily find the market for fish because most Kenyans usually incorporate fish into their diet because they have numerous health benefits. The fish can be sold to hotels, restaurants, institutions, and small-scale traders.

Tuko.co.ke published an article about French beans farming in Kenya. French beans are some of the crops that dominate Kenya's export market. Some commonly grown varieties include Serengeti, Samantha, Teresa, Amy, Rexas, Belcampo, Pekara, and Paulista. When you plant them on your parcel of land, you'll be thinking of exporting them in less than two months.

They thrive well in warm-wet regions of Kenya that receive an annual rainfall of between 900-1200mm. The farm gate price for French beans is Kshs 21 per kg. During the high season, the price of French beans varies between Kshs 70 and Kshs 100 per kg. Read this post to learn more about French beans farming.