The most widely recognized types of freshwater aquaculture in the United States are the catfish industry in the south and the trout farms in Michigan and the west. Both of these industries involve the culture of a single fish species for food. Another familiar type is the production of bait minnows and crayfish for use by the recreational fishing industry. The primary categories of species produced through aquaculture are: food, sport, bait, and ornamental

• Food Fish - The food fish industry is one of the fastest growing segments of the aquaculture industry.  Catfish, crayfish, and trout have the largest market, but the production of other species is increasing.
• Sport Fish - The sport-fish industry is one of the oldest aquaculture industries in the United States. The fish grown on the farm are usually sold as fingerlings to farm pond owners.
• Bait Fish - The bait industry involves the production of bait species ultimately sold to fishermen. Marketing bait species is somewhat seasonal and is highly influenced by the weather.
• Ornamental Fish - The ornamental industry produces fish, plants, and shellfish for stocking aquaria.  Warm-water species, such as tropicals, and cool-water ornamentals, such as goldfish, are two categories grown on farms.
• Common and Species Names - There are hundreds of species of food, bait, sport and ornamental fish commercially produced. We have provided a listing of some of the most common freshwater and marine species from each group.
• Weights of Various Species of Fish at Different Lengths-A reference chart that can be used to determine the stocking rates.