Pike perch

Pike perch, also known as zander, is a predatory freshwater fish native to Eastern and Central Europe and parts of Western Asia. It is highly valued for its mild-tasting, boneless white flesh, low fat content, and increasing appeal in high-end culinary markets. While traditionally harvested from the wild, aquaculture production is growing, especially in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) in Europe, and increasingly considered for development in regions like Eastern and Northern Africa.

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Learn more about Pike Perch

All feed formulas developed by Aller Aqua at the Aller Aqua Research Centre follow these requirements to ensure proper growth and health:

  • Protein Needs:

Larvae and juveniles: 50–56% crude protein

Grow-out stage: 45–50% crude protein

  • Fat and Energy Needs:

Fat: 10–16% depending on life stage

Digestible energy: ~18–22 MJ/kg
Balanced lipid levels support growth and feed efficiency without inducing fatty liver

  • Essential Nutrients:

Amino acids: Lysine, methionine, and taurine

Vitamins: A, D3, E, and C for skeletal development and immune health

Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus, selenium, magnesium

DHA/EPA: Important for early development and market flesh quality

  • Feed Formulation:

Transitioned from live feed (Artemia, zooplankton) during larval stage to high-quality extruded pellets

Floating or slow-sinking pellets, often customized for RAS environments

The range of solutions developed by Aller Aqua is suitable for each stage of the fish lifecycle as well as the following farming methods:

  • Culture Systems:

Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS): Most common and efficient for pike perch due to its sensitivity to environmental changes

Flow-through tanks and ponds are used in earlier life stages or extensive systems, but less efficient

  • Environmental Preferences:

Temperature: 18–24°C for optimal growth

Oxygen: Requires well-oxygenated water (>6 mg/L)

Photoperiod control is important for managing spawning cycles

  • Reproduction and Rearing:

Broodstock managed under controlled photothermal regimes

Larval rearing is technically demanding; requires live feed and careful weaning to dry feed

Juveniles are cannibalistic, necessitating size grading

  • Stocking Density:

Juvenile tanks: 5–10 kg/m³

Grow-out RAS: 40–60 kg/m³ depending on water turnover and system design

  • Growth & Harvest:

Harvest size: 1–2 kg in 12–18 months

Some premium markets prefer smaller (~600 g) or larger fish depending on culinary use

A carefully selected composition of raw materials and verified feed formulas ensure that the fish is rich in minerals and vitamins, and at the same time that the texture of meat is of the highest quality. We make sure that fish grown using solutions provided by Aller Aqua offer the following benefits:

  • Nutritional Value:

Very lean white fish with high protein (~19–21 g per 100 g)

Low in saturated fat

Contains omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and selenium

  • Culinary Versatility:

Delicate, mild taste with firm yet flaky texture

Ideal for pan-frying, baking, steaming, or filleting

Highly regarded in European fine dining and increasingly popular in international cuisine

RAS-farmed fish are produced in controlled, biosecure environments, which results in la ow risk of contaminants such as mercury or parasites common in wild pike perch. Pike Perch farming provides a sustainable alternative to overfished wild stocks in European and African markets.