Catfish Farming Information

Catfish farming is the most widespread form of aquaculture in North America. Catfish farms are an attractive option for land owners looking for an alternate, sustainable replacement for traditional agricultural land uses.

Markets

Farmed catfish may be sold locally to grocers, restaurants, seafood distributors and pay fishing lakes.

Minimum Requirements

Catfish farming requires a pond at least 6 feet deep, aerating equipment, large nets for harvesting, and equipment for processing and transporting the harvested crop.

Stock

Fingerlings.

Fingerlings may be purchased from a local hatchery or agricultural supplier. The optimum density is approximately 1,500 fry per acre of pond surface area.

Feeding

Floating pellets that are nutritionally balanced will reduce waste and ensure the health and growth of the catfish.

Aeration

Agricultural supply houses stock electrical and mechanical aeration devices, which must be used when oxygen levels fall to dangerous levels.

Harvesting

The catfish are netted at end of season

At the end of the growing season, usually in October, the entire crop is harvested with large nets. The fish are rounded up into a confined area of the pond, then removed with hand nets.

References

• Catfish Farming Guide; Kentucky Aquatic Farming
• Guidellines for Producing Food-Size Channel Catfish; World Aquaculture
• Small-Scale and Home-Use Channel Catfish Farming in Kentucky; World Aquaculture

Resources

• University of Arkansas, U.S. Department of Agriculture and County Governments Cooperating