Aquaculture Tip: Feeding Techniques for Channel Catfish
Release date:
2017-09-21
Feed Selection
It’s best to process the feed into both sinking and floating pellets. When the water temperature is above 15°C, provide floating feed; when the temperature drops below 15°C, switch to sinking feed. Feed twice daily—once in the morning and once in the afternoon—and aim to spread the feeding area as widely as possible. Be sure to monitor the fish’s feeding behavior each day and adjust the feeding rate accordingly.
Feeding time
For fish weighing under 50 grams, feed them 3 times daily. For fish weighing 50 grams or more, reduce feeding to twice a day—once between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m., and again between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. The daily amount of feed depends on the total weight of fish in the pond and the water temperature: - At 8°C–15°C, feed 1% to 1.5% of the fish’s body weight. - At 15°C–20°C, increase feeding to 2.5% to 3% of the fish’s body weight. - At 20°C–25°C, further boost the feed to 3.0% to 3.5% of the fish’s body weight. - At 25°C–32°C, provide the highest feeding rate, ranging from 4% to 4.5% of the fish’s body weight. During the peak growing season (May to October), ensure adequate feed supply, typically maintaining an annual feeding volume at or above 80% of last year’s levels.
Stocking density
Spotted catfish can also be farmed using net cages, often through a two-stage rearing process. In the first stage, fish are raised from 10 cm in length to a tail weight of 150 grams. In the second stage, they are further grown from 150 grams up to 750–1,500 grams. Alternatively, 50-gram fingerlings can be directly raised to marketable size. For 8–10 cm-sized fingerlings, the recommended stocking density is 350–400 fish per square meter, while for 150-gram fish, the ideal density ranges from 150 to 250 fish per square meter. Spotted catfish are known for their gentle temperament and natural schooling behavior, making them easy to harvest. As the fish grow larger, farmers can manage stocking densities effectively to optimize yields and profitability—either by harvesting and marketing fish in batches or by implementing a rotational harvesting and restocking system.
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