Complete Guide to Catfish Farming
Hi friends, my name is Olu and I’ve been a catfish farmer for almost 30 years. Even now in my early sixties, I still enjoy the business and find it very rewarding.I know many people are curious about how catfish farming works, so I decided to put together this simple but complete guide. Here you’ll find everything you need in one place—from building your pond, to stocking, feeding, and even selling your fish.
Types of Catfish to Farm in Nigeria
The first step to fish farming is knowing a little about the fish—especially the types that are common in your area. I am in Nigeria, and here we mainly farm just a few species of catfish. Over the years, I’ve had experience with them, and I’ll walk you through the main ones you should know.
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1. Clarias gariepinus (African Catfish)
This is the most popular type of catfish farmed in Nigeria. Farmers love it because it grows very fast, survives in different pond conditions, and can be stocked in high numbers. It is also very tough and can survive periods of low oxygen compared to other fish.
2. Heterobranchus bidorsalis
This one grows even bigger than Clarias gariepinus but takes a little longer to mature. Farmers who are patient usually like it because of its large size and resilience. However, it may require better pond management and feeding practices to get the best results.
3. Hybrid Catfish (Hetero-Clarias)
This is a cross between Clarias gariepinus and Heterobranchus bidorsalis. The hybrid combines the fast growth of Clarias with the size and toughness of Heterobranchus. It is becoming more popular among farmers who want the best of both worlds.
4. Other Local Species
In some regions, you may also hear about Clarias anguillaris and Clarias nigrodigitatus. These are less commonly farmed but can be found in natural waters. Most commercial farmers still prefer the three main ones mentioned above because they are easier to raise and sell in the market.
Comparison of Catfish Types
| Catfish Type | Growth Rate | Size Potential | Hardiness | Market Demand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarias gariepinus | Very Fast | Medium to Large | High (tolerates low oxygen) | Very High |
| Heterobranchus bidorsalis | Moderate | Very Large | Very High | High (but takes longer) |
| Hybrid (Hetero-Clarias) | Fast | Large | High | Very High |
If you’re just starting out,
Clarias gariepinus — The Friendly, Fast-Growing Catfish for West African Farms
If you’re starting out in catfish farming in Nigeria or elsewhere in West Africa, one name you’ll hear again and again is Clarias gariepinus — commonly called the African sharptooth catfish. It’s a hardy, widely distributed species that suits small backyard ponds and commercial systems alike. Below I’ll walk you through what makes this fish special, practical tips for farming it, and helpful things I learned the hard way when I started.
A short story from my pond
When I first started out, one thing I noticed after my second stocking was that the catfish I bought looked slightly different from the first batch. This new crop had smaller heads and longer bodies compared with the first fish. Later I found out these were Clarias gariepinus. They’re common across West Africa — especially here in Nigeria — and what surprised me was how quickly they grew and how well they converted feed into weight. That experience changed how I planned my next stocking and feeding cycle.
What is Clarias gariepinus?
Clarias gariepinus is a freshwater catfish native to large parts of Africa. It’s popular for aquaculture because it is:
- Hardy: tolerates lower dissolved oxygen than many other fish and can survive in challenging pond conditions for short periods.
- Fast-growing: reaches marketable sizes relatively quickly under good feeding and management.
- Omnivorous and adaptable: accepts a wide variety of diets — from commercial pellets to local feed ingredients.
- Widely available: fingerlings are commonly sold in many West African markets.
Where it’s found
This species is widespread in West Africa (including Nigeria) and occurs in rivers, lakes, swamps and man-made ponds. Because of its adaptability, it has become one of the top choices for local catfish farmers.
Why farmers like Clarias gariepinus
From my experience and those of other farmers I know, Clarias offers several practical advantages:
- Good feed conversion: they efficiently turn feed into body weight when fed appropriately.
- Resilience: survive short drops in water quality and can tolerate crowding better than some species.
- Market demand: consumers in the region are familiar with and often prefer this species.
Basic farming guide — practical tips
Below are simple, farmer-friendly pointers to get the best from Clarias gariepinus.
1. Choosing fingerlings
- Buy from reputable hatcheries or trusted sellers — healthy fingerlings should be active, have no obvious wounds, and show regular breathing.
- Look for uniform size at stocking to reduce competition and cannibalism.
2. Stocking and systems
- Ponds: Common backyard and commercial option. Start with conservative stocking and increase as you gain confidence.
- Concrete tanks & hapas: Good for intensive systems and easier to manage for feeding and harvest.
- Polyculture: Clarias can be grown with other species in some setups, but watch feed and space so they don’t outcompete others.
3. Water and environment
- They tolerate a range of water qualities, but keeping dissolved oxygen, pH, and cleanliness within reasonable limits improves growth and reduces disease.
- Regular water exchanges and removing organic sludge from the pond bottom will help.
- Provide shaded areas and avoid sudden large swings in water temperature or salinity.
4. Feeding
- Clarias accept commercial pellets and local feed mixes. Feed according to size and appetite — younger fish need more protein and more frequent feeding.
- Monitor feed intake and growth: adjust amounts to avoid overfeeding (which worsens water quality) and underfeeding (which slows growth).
5. Health management
- Keep good biosecurity — limit visitors to ponds, disinfect tools, and avoid introducing sick fish.
- Watch for common signs of stress or disease: off-feed, unusual swimming, sores, or rapid gill movement.
- Remove dead fish promptly and investigate causes — often poor water quality or parasites are to blame.
6. Harvesting and marketing
- Plan harvests when fish reach preferred market size in your area.
- Live sales and fresh fish markets are common; maintaining good handling practices preserves price and reputation.
Breeding and fingerling production
Clarias can be bred in captivity and many farmers produce their own fingerlings once they learn the process. if you’re new, buying quality fingerlings is the simplest route until you master broodstock selection and spawning techniques.
Common challenges and how I handled them
From my own learning curve: initial losses and slow growth usually came from overcrowding, inconsistent feeding, and neglect of water quality. After I switched to more careful stocking, better feeding routines, and regular pond checks, the Clarias gariepinus in my pond grew noticeably faster and performed well.
Is Clarias gariepinus right for you?
For farmers in Nigeria and West Africa who want a forgiving, market-friendly, and fast-growing catfish, Clarias gariepinus is an excellent choice. Whether you’re running a small backyard pond or a more intensive commercial system, it’s a species that rewards attentive management.
If you’d like to read a comparison of the main catfish species for farming and see why Clarias often stands out, check this helpful guide I used when planning my next batch: Best catfish species for farming (practical comparison) .
Quick checklist before you stock
- Source healthy fingerlings from a trusted supplier.
- Test and prepare your pond or tank — remove predators and excessive sludge.
- Arrange an appropriate feed plan and storage.
- Set a simple routine for daily checks (feeding, mortalities, water)
Please continue reading, the most important aspect is understanding the type of fish you want to farm.
Heterobranchus bidorsalis & Hetero-Clarias — Friendly Guide for Farmers
Practical, no-nonsense notes on the big native catfish and its popular hybrid for West African farms.
A quick, personal note
I’ve worked with many catfish types over the years and one thing is constant: the better you know your fish the fewer surprises you get. Big-bodied catfish like Heterobranchus bidorsalis and hybrids called Hetero-Clarias are common choices for farmers who want size, resilience and a strong market. Below I’ll walk you through what each offers, simple management tips, and how hybrids fit into a farm plan — explained in plain language.
Who is Heterobranchus bidorsalis?
Heterobranchus bidorsalis is one of the larger freshwater catfish species found across parts of West and Central Africa. It’s a heavy-bodied fish, prized for reaching large sizes — which can fetch higher prices where consumers prefer bigger whole fish.
Why farmers like it
- Size: tends to grow into large, marketable fish when given good feed and space.
- Robustness: reasonably tolerant of variable pond conditions compared to some delicate species.
- Market appeal: big, meaty fish often command a premium on local markets.
Basic farming tips for H. bidorsalis
- Space: give this fish room — larger ponds or lower stocking densities reduce stress and cannibalism.
- Feed: high-protein diets speed growth; consider gradual transition to locally available ingredients if cost is a concern.
- Water quality: maintain regular water exchange and remove sludge; although hardy, growth suffers in poor water.
- Handling: adults can be large — use nets and handling gear suited to their size to avoid injury to fish and farmer.
What is Hetero-Clarias (the hybrid)?
Hetero-Clarias is the common name for hybrids produced by crossing a Heterobranchus species with a Clarias species (Clarias gariepinus is the usual parent in West Africa). These hybrids are created to combine the best traits of both parents — typically the size of Heterobranchus and the rapid growth/hardiness of Clarias.
Why farmers choose hybrids
- Hybrid vigour: many producers report faster growth and better survival compared with some pure strains.
- Balanced traits: hybrids often deliver good size plus the hardiness and feed conversion of Clarias.
- Commercial preference: commercial farmers who want a reliable, fast-growing product frequently use hybrids.
Important notes on producing or buying hybrids
- Controlled breeding: producing hybrids requires hatchery skills and controlled breeding — it’s not usually done by accidental spawning in the pond.
- Buy from hatcheries: if you want hybrids, buy fingerlings from reputable hatcheries that guarantee crossbreeding and health checks.
- Record-keeping: keep good records of batch origin and performance so you can learn which strains work best for your conditions.
Practical management — day-to-day
Stocking density
Keep densities conservative for large Heterobranchus (to reduce stress and cannibalism). Hybrids can be stocked slightly denser in intensive systems, but only if water quality and aeration are well managed.
Feeding
Young fish need higher protein; grow-out diets can be adjusted as fish get larger. Feed according to appetite and remove uneaten feed quickly — overfeeding damages water quality.
Health & biosecurity
- Limit visitors and disinfect nets/tools between ponds.
- Quarantine new fingerlings before adding to the main pond.
- Monitor daily for unusual behaviour, sores or sudden mortalities.
Market & economics — what to expect
Larger Heterobranchus and hybrids can be sold live or fresh. Hybrids are often preferred where fast turnover matters. Watch local price trends — in some markets a few large fish can bring higher total income than many small fish.
Common challenges and how to manage them
- Cannibalism: keep sizes uniform at stocking and avoid extreme crowding.
- Poor water: regular pond cleaning and partial water change prevent slow growth and disease.
- Unreliable fingerlings: always buy from reputable hatcheries and quarantine new stock.
Simple checklist before you stock
- Source healthy, verified fingerlings (especially for hybrids).
- Prepare pond: remove predators, test water, clear sludge.
- Plan feeding schedule and storage for feed.
- Set up daily routine for checks and a simple record book
Quick Infographic — Four Catfish for West African Farms
Fast facts, farming notes, and what makes each species (or hybrid) useful on the farm.
Heterobranchus bidorsalis
Common names: Vundu-type / Bighead catfish
GrowthModerate-to-fast (with good feed)Best forFarmers targeting larger market fishClarias gariepinus
Common name: African sharptooth catfish
GrowthFast (when managed well)Best forBeginners and intensive systemsHybrid — Hetero-Clarias
Parentage: Heterobranchus × Clarias (cross)
GrowthOften faster than parentsBest forCommercial, market-focused farmsSynodontis spp.
Common name: Squeaker or upside-down catfish
GrowthSlow-to-moderateBest forPolyculture, niche sales
Two Types of Catfish Farmers
Now that you know the different types of catfish we farm in Nigeria, the next thing you should understand is the two main types of catfish farmers. Each plays an important role in the business, and sometimes one farmer may even combine both roles.
1. The Breeders
Breeders are the foundation of catfish farming. They are the ones who raise catfish right from the eggs to fry, then to fingerlings, and finally to juveniles. Their main job is to produce healthy young fish that can either be sold to other farmers or transferred to their own grow-out ponds.
Breeding requires special skill and careful management. A breeder must know how to handle broodstock, manage water quality, and take good care of the fragile early stages of catfish. It can be challenging, but it is also very rewarding because every farm needs good fingerlings to succeed.
2. The Growers
Growers take over from where the breeders stop. They buy fingerlings or juveniles and raise them all the way to table size—the size that people eat and buy in the market.
A grower’s main focus is on feeding, pond management, and ensuring the fish grow fast and healthy. This stage requires good planning, quality feed, and patience, because it can take several months for the catfish to reach market size.
When One Farmer Plays Both Roles
In some cases, breeders also act as growers. This means they hatch their own fish, raise them into fingerlings, and then continue to grow them until they are ready for sale. While this gives a farmer more control over the process, it also requires more time, knowledge, and resources.
Whether you choose to be a breeder, a grower, or both, the important thing is to understand each role clearly. That way, you can decide where you fit best in the catfish value chain and how to make the most profit from it.
How to Become a Catfish Breeder: Equipment & Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction — Now you know about the different types of catfish and the choice between becoming a breeder or a grower. In this article I’ll explain everything you need to become a catfish breeder. A catfish breeder raises fish from eggs to fry, then to fingerlings and juveniles. You’ll also need some basic equipment and the right routine to carry out production successfully.
Equipment a Catfish Breeder Needs
Below are the essentials you should have before starting breeding operations:
- Broodstock tanks or ponds — Clean, well-managed tanks or small ponds for keeping healthy male and female broodstock.
- Hatchery tanks or hapa — Small tanks, plastic tubs or hapas (net enclosures) where eggs hatch and fry are kept for the first days/weeks.
- Nets and scoops — Fine mesh nets for moving fry and fingerlings, and larger nets for adult fish.
- Aeration — Air pumps or paddlewheels to keep water oxygenated, especially in tanks and nurseries.
- Water testing kit — Simple pH strips and (if possible) a dissolved oxygen meter and thermometer to monitor water quality.
- Feed & measuring tools — Starter (high-protein) feeds, grower feeds, and scoops/measuring cups for accurate feeding.
- Containers and buckets — For transfers, mixing feeds, and temporary holding.
- Records notebook — Track dates, spawnings, mortality, feed amounts and growth rates.
- Basic medicines & disinfectants — Salt, a pond disinfectant, and supplies for basic biosecurity (use responsibly).
- Shade and shelter — Shade nets or simple shelter for broodstock tanks to reduce stress from sun/heat.
Step-by-Step Guide to Breeding Catfish
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Plan and prepare your site
Choose a quiet place for your broodstock and hatchery. Clean and disinfect tanks or ponds, set up aeration and check that water source is reliable. -
Select healthy broodstock
Choose active, disease-free males and females of good size and body condition. Avoid fish with deformities or slow growth records. Good broodstock produce stronger eggs and healthier fry. -
Condition the broodstock
Feed broodstock a high-quality diet for 4–6 weeks before breeding to improve egg quality. Keep water clean and stable — regular partial water changes and steady aeration matter. -
Decide on natural or induced spawning
Natural spawning: allow mature broodstock in spawning tanks/hapas to mate naturally (common where conditions encourage breeding). Induced spawning: many breeders use a hormone to synchronize spawning when natural conditions are unreliable. If you decide to use hormones, follow product instructions carefully or seek local veterinary/extension help. -
Set up spawning tank
Use a quiet tank or hapa with stable water, light aeration, and a substrate or spawning support if needed. Place selected males and females (common practice often uses a ratio such as 1 male : 2 females, but this can vary). -
Collect and care for eggs
After spawning, move eggs or egg-bearing females to a hatchery trough or protect them in a hapa. Keep gentle flow and aeration — never let eggs sit in dirty or low-oxygen water. Check eggs daily and remove any dead or fungus-infected eggs. -
Hatching to fry
Eggs usually hatch within a short time (time depends on temperature). Once fry appear, keep them in a calm, protected nursery area with soft aeration. Fry are delicate — avoid sudden water changes. -
First feeding (starter phase)
Start feeding small, frequent meals of a high-protein starter feed as soon as fry have absorbed their yolk sac and begin swimming. Feed 3–6 times daily in tiny amounts so little or no feed is wasted. Typical starter feeds are higher in protein and very fine. -
Grow fry to fingerlings
As fry grow, gradually increase feed size and amount. Keep good water quality with regular partial water changes and proper aeration. Move fish to larger hapas or nursery ponds when they are big enough to avoid overcrowding. -
Fingerling management
Fingerlings need clean water, balanced feed, and careful stocking densities. Monitor growth and separate by size if some fish are lagging. Continue record keeping: date of hatch, feed used, mortalities, average size. -
Juveniles and sale/transfer
When fingerlings reach the agreed size for sale or transfer (this depends on buyer or your own goals), prepare for transportation: fast but gentle netting, temporary water in oxygenated containers, and avoid long exposure to heat. -
Biosecurity & routine checks
Always isolate new broodstock, disinfect equipment between uses, and watch for signs of disease. Good hygiene and prompt action keep your stock healthy.
Practical tips from the pond
- Keep simple written records — they quickly pay off when you can see what worked.
- Small partial water changes often beat large infrequent ones for fry health.
- Avoid overcrowding — it leads to slow growth and disease.
- Start small, learn the routine, and scale up as you gain confidence.
Breeding & Rearing Stages — Quick Reference Table
| Stage | Typical Age/Duration | Size (approx.) | Feed | Key Tasks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Egg | Hours to 1–2 days (depends on temp) | — | None | Collect/guard eggs, gentle aeration, remove dead eggs |
| Hatch / Fry | First days to weeks | Very small (mm) | Starter feed (very fine), live feed (where available) | Frequent small feedings, stable water, protection from predators |
| Fingerling | Weeks to 1–2 months | Several grams | Grower feed (smaller pellet) | Gradual grading, maintain water quality, adjust feed size |
| Juvenile | Months — ready for transfer/grow-out | Depends on target (hundreds of grams for table size) | Grower / finisher feeds | Prepare for sale/transfer, maintain health and growth records |
Short Quiz — Test What You Learned
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Q: Who raises catfish from eggs to fry and fingerlings?
Answer
Breeders. They handle eggs → fry → fingerlings → juvenile stages. -
Q: Name two essential pieces of equipment for a hatchery.
Answer
Hatchery tanks or hapas and reliable aeration (air pumps) are essential. -
Q: When should you start feeding fry?
Answer
Start feeding when fry have absorbed their yolk sac and are actively swimming; use very fine, high-protein starter feed. -
Q: What is one simple biosecurity measure every breeder should use?
Answer
Disinfect equipment between uses or isolate new broodstock before adding them to your main stock. - Q: Why keep records?
Answer
Records help you track what works (feeding, growth, survival) and make better decisions when scaling up.Here is a printable checklist of equipment and a one-page daily routine you can paste into your hatchery area.
How to Grow Catfish from Juvenile to 1 kg
Introduction: This lesson explains how to grow catfish from juvenile to table size (about 1 kg). I am a grower — I buy juveniles from breeders and raise them to market size. I sell fish wholesale or retail (commonly between 500 g and 1 kg).
1. Equipment needed
- Ponds or tanks (earthen, tarpaulin, or concrete)
- Aeration (aerator or air pump)
- Water pump and pipes
- Seine nets and grading nets
- Weighing scale
- Feed storage containers
- Quarantine/holding tank
- Generator or power backup
2. Juvenile selection & stocking
Buy healthy juveniles from a reputable breeder. Acclimatize and quarantine before stocking.
- Pond system: 1–3 fish per m²
- Tank/tarpaulin: 50–250 fish per m³
3. Feeding schedule
Use commercial floating pellets. Change pellet size as fish grow.
| Fish Weight | Pellet Size | Feed Rate (% body weight) |
|---|---|---|
| 10–50 g | 2 mm | 5–6% |
| 50–150 g | 3 mm | 4–5% |
| 150–400 g | 4 mm | 3–4% |
| 400–1000 g | 5–8 mm | 2–2.5% |
4. Water quality & management
- Temperature: 25–30°C
- Dissolved oxygen: above 4 mg/L
- pH: 6.5–8.5
- Change water or add aeration if fish gasp at surface
5. Harvest & marketing
Harvest when fish reach 500 g–1 kg. Sell live or processed depending on demand.
Quick Quiz
1. What feed rate should you use for 100 g fish?
About 4–5% of body weight per day.
2. How often should you grade fish?
Every 3–6 weeks to separate big from small.
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