Growth Timeline
It takes 4 to 5 months to raise catfish from fingerlings to 500-700g in size. To raise catfish from fingerlings to 1kg takes 90-120 days.
Feeding and Water Management
In warmer months, feed catfish once daily. Attaching a water hose to tap water is better than using rain water.
If cared for properly, catfish reach market size of 80-200g in 3-5 months from 3-5g fingerlings stocked at 10/sqm.
Growth Factors and Pond Management
Catfish never stop growing but growth slows with age. Factors like location, water flow and food impact growth rate. A 6-8 inch fingerling can reach 1 pound in 6 months with regular, warm weather feeding. Without feeding, 2-3 years is needed to reach the same size.
Smaller ponds of 8-10 acres are easier to manage than larger 18-25 acre ponds.
Market Size and Breeding
The average market size is 1-2 pounds at 18 months – 2 years. Channel catfish breed first at age 2-3 years, then annually.
Growth can be increased by feeding high protein foods like soy, cotton and safflower. Feed with 40% protein for rapid growth since catfish eat other fish. Hatcheries emulate the catfish’s natural nesting environment.