Chapter 1 Introduction to aquaculture Types of aquaculture The history and present status of freshwater aquaculture in South Africa Frequently asked questions Chapter 2 Fish biology Fish biology Frequently asked questions Chapter 3 Aquaculture species Selection of species Sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) Other carp species Tilapia Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Ornamental species Frequently asked questions Chapter 4 Types of fish farms: ponds, cages and tank systems Pond design and construction Tanks and raceways Cages Frequently asked questions Chapter 5 Water quality The parameters of good water quality Frequently asked questions Chapter 6 Production and shipping Pond management and maintenance Fertilizing ponds with compost Pond maintenance Tank and cage management Transporting live fish Size-sorting the fish Frequently asked questions Chapter 7 Feeds and feeding Why feed the cultured fish? Energy requirements Nutrional requirements of particular fish Feeding habits Frequently asked questions Chapter 8 Harvesting Harvesting and preserving fish Harvesting from ponds Harvesting from tanks or cages Preserving methods Frequently asked questions Chapter 9 Fish health and diseases Managing fish health and diseases Disease treatments Frequently asked questions Chapter 10 Fish husbandry Broodstock selection Maintenance of broodstock Breeding techniques: Barbel (Clarias gariepinus) Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Frequently asked questions Chapter 11 Cage culture Cage culture of fish Types of cages The Western Cape cage culture of trout Technical aspects Frequently asked questions Chapter 12 Increasing production Increasing the production from ponds Monoculture Polyculture Intergrated aquaculture Frequently asked questions Chapter 13 Business and financial planning Business planning Basics of business planning: key questions Components of a business plan Financial planning Checklist for compiling a simple business plan Frequently asked questions Annexure A: Questions regarding expectations Annexure B: Assessing marketing feasibility Annexure C: Assessing production feasibility Annexure D: Assessing financial feasibility Glossary Units of measurement Useful reading resources Regulations for South African Aquacultural Initiatives: New Developments Appendix 1 Nutritional requirements for artificial feeds Appendix 2 The process of beginning a freshwater aquaculture business in South Africa Appendix 3 Diseases and their treatment Appendix 4 Interactive spreadsheet for fish-farm start-up costs