South Africa produces both marine and freshwater aquaculture species, with a combined production output of 5 418 tons of food fish in 2015. Key aquaculture species reportedly cultured include; 4 marine Species - Abalone, Dusky Kob, Mussels and Oysters and 7 freshwater species - Tilapia, Trout, Catfish, Marron crayfish, Carp, Koi-carp and Ornamental species. Key aquaculture food fish species - Abalone, Dusky Kob, Mussel, Oyster, Salmon, Trout, Tilapia, Catfish and Marron Crayfish were identified, and subjected to quantitative and qualitative analyses of SWOT factors by adapting the quantified SWOT analytical method coupled with the Multi-Attribute Decision Making Method MADM (SWOT-MADM). Internal and external assessment factors were determined; followed by data collection; performance normalization; determination of benchmarking and SWOT coordinates values. Trout and Tilapia are positioned in quadrant I, showing a combination of competitive strengths and market opportunities for aquaculture development in South Africa. Abalone, Oyster and Marron Crayfish are situated in quadrant II; thus, they possess market opportunities but weak in competitive position as aquaculture species. Salmon and Dusky Kob are positioned in quadrant III; therefore, both species are weak in competitive strengths and faced with more threats factors rather than market opportunities. Finally, Mussel and Catfish are in quadrant IV; therefore, both species have competitive strengths but are facing more threats than opportunities. Catfish recorded the highest competitive strengths due to internal assessment factors such as; high FCR, ability to withstand very high stocking density, rapid growth rate, high survival rate, hardiness and versatility of production systems and locations. Abalone and Marron Crayfish on the other hand, both exhibited more market opportunities as compared to other key aquaculture species due to external assessment factors like high pricing and good financial indicators . The study is expected to add to existing body of knowledge and guide aquaculture industry stakeholders to make informed decisions with regards to feasibility of aquaculture species in South Africa.