Proper feeding is the foundation of profitable catfish farming. Feed accounts for 60–80% of production costs, making feeding management one of the most important skills for a fish farmer. The goal is to provide enough nutrients for rapid growth while minimizing waste and maintaining good water quality.

As catfish grow, their feeding frequency decreases because larger fish have larger stomachs, lower metabolic rates, and can consume more feed at one time.

Stage 1: Fry

Age

1. Newly hatched to 2 weeks

Feeding Frequency

1. 4–6 times daily

Feed Type

1. Artemia
2. Zooplankton
3. Powdered starter feed
4. Fine crumble feed

Why Frequent Feeding?

Young fry have very small stomachs and require constant access to nutrients for rapid growth and survival.

Stage 2: Fingerlings

Size

1. 2–20 grams

Feeding Frequency

1. 3–4 times daily

Suggested Schedule

1. 7:00 AM
2. 11:00 AM
3. 3:00 PM
4. 6:00 PM

Protein Requirement

1. 40–45%

Feeding Rate

1. 5–10% of body weight daily

Example

If 1,000 fingerlings weigh an average of 10 g:

Total biomass:

1,000 × 10 g = 10 kg

At 8% feeding rate:

10 kg × 8% = 0.8 kg feed/day

Divide into 4 meals:

0.2 kg per feeding

Stage 3: Juveniles

Size

1. 20–100 grams

Feeding Frequency

1. 2–3 times daily

Suggested Schedule

1. 8:00 AM
2. 1:00 PM
3. 6:00 PM

Protein Requirement

1. 35–40%

Feeding Rate

1. 4–6% of body weight daily

At this stage, fish are actively growing and require a balanced diet to maximize weight gain.

Stage 4: Growers

Size

1. 100–500 grams

Feeding Frequency

1. 2 times daily

Suggested Schedule

1. 8:00 AM
2. 5:00 PM

Protein Requirement

1. 30–35%

Feeding Rate

1. 3–4% of body weight daily

This stage is where most commercial catfish farmers focus on achieving efficient feed conversion and rapid growth.

Stage 5: Table-Size Catfish

Size

1. 500 grams and above

Feeding Frequency

1. 1–2 times daily

Suggested Schedule

1. Morning (8:00 AM)
2. Evening (5:00 PM)

Protein Requirement

1. 28–32%

Feeding Rate

1. 1.5–3% of body weight daily

At this stage, fish are approaching market size, and the emphasis shifts toward maintaining growth while controlling feed costs.

Feeding by Body Weight

How to Calculate Feed Quantity

Step 1: Determine Total Biomass

Number of fish × Average weight

Example:

2,000 fish × 250 g

= 500 kg biomass

Step 2: Determine Feeding Rate

At 3% body weight:

500 kg × 3%

= 15 kg feed/day

Step 3: Divide into Feedings

If feeding twice daily:

15 kg ÷ 2

= 7.5 kg per feeding

Best Times to Feed Catfish

The most effective feeding periods are:

1. Early morning
2. Late afternoon
3. Early evening

Catfish are generally more active during cooler periods.

Avoid feeding during:

1. Extremely hot afternoons
2. Heavy storms
3. Low oxygen conditions
4. Immediately after handling or transportation

Feeding Catfish with BSF Maggots

Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae can be used as a cost-effective protein source.

Benefits

1. High protein content
2. Rich in essential amino acids
3. Natural feed for fish
4. Reduces commercial feed costs
5. Supports sustainable farming

Recommended Inclusion Levels

BSF larvae can be fed fresh, dried, or processed into fish feed pellets.

Signs of Proper Feeding

A well-fed catfish population will show:

1. Uniform growth
2. Active feeding response
3. Low mortality
4. Good body condition
5. Efficient feed conversion

Signs of Underfeeding

1. Slow growth
2. Aggressive behavior
3. Cannibalism
4. Stunted fish
5. Uneven sizes

Signs of Overfeeding

1. Uneaten feed remains in water
2. Water becomes cloudy
3. Bad odors develop
4. Increased disease outbreaks
5. Higher production costs

Feeding Management Tips

1. Feed at the same time every day.
2. Use quality feed appropriate for fish size.
3. Weigh sample fish every 2–4 weeks.
4. Adjust feeding rates as fish grow.
5. Monitor water quality regularly.
6. Remove uneaten feed when possible.
7. Keep accurate feeding records.
8. Supplement with BSF larvae to reduce feed costs.
9. Avoid sudden feed changes.
10. Observe fish behavior during every feeding.

Conclusion

Catfish should be fed frequently when young and less frequently as they grow. A practical rule is:

1. Fry: 4–6 times daily
2. Fingerlings: 3–4 times daily
3. Juveniles: 2–3 times daily
4. Growers: 2 times daily
5. Table-size fish: 1–2 times daily

Successful catfish farming depends not only on feeding more feed but on feeding the right amount, at the right time, with the right nutrition. Proper feeding management leads to faster growth, healthier fish, better water quality, and higher profits.