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When and How to Sort Catfish for Uniform Growth

Table of Contents

• Why Sorting Catfish Is Important
• When to Sort Catfish
• How to Sort Catfish for Uniform Growth
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Conclusion

Sorting catfish is one of the most crucial management practices in aquaculture. Without sorting, some catfish grow faster while others lag behind, leading to stunted growth, poor feed conversion, and even cannibalism. For farmers aiming to maximize profit and reduce losses, knowing when and how to sort catfish for uniform growth is a must.

Why Sorting Catfish Is Important

Catfish do not grow at the same rate, even when they are from the same broodstock. Larger fish tend to dominate, outcompete others for feed, and may prey on smaller ones. This makes sorting essential because it:

• Promotes uniform growth across the stock.
• Reduces feed waste and improves feed efficiency.
• Minimizes cannibalism and mortality rates.
• Makes it easier to plan for sales and marketing.

To succeed in commercial farming, these practices should be included in your catfish farm business plan right from the start.

When to Sort Catfish

The frequency of sorting depends on the size of the fish, the stocking density, and the feeding program. In most cases:

• Fingerlings stage (4–6 weeks old): The first sorting should be done when catfish fingerlings reach about 3–4 cm in length. This ensures smaller ones are not eaten by bigger siblings. For guidance on raising healthy young fish, check this guide to raising catfish fingerlings.
• Juvenile stage (2–3 months old): A second sorting is usually necessary to separate fast growers from slower ones.
• Grow-out stage: Depending on your stocking density and feeding practices, you may need to sort every 3–4 weeks until harvest size.

How to Sort Catfish for Uniform Growth

Sorting requires patience and proper handling to avoid injuring the fish. Here are steps to follow:

1. Prepare the equipment: Use hand nets, sorting trays, and holding tanks filled with clean water.
2. Drain partially: Reduce the water level in the pond or tank to make catching easier.
3. Group by size: Separate catfish into different categories (small, medium, large). This reduces competition and improves feeding efficiency.
4. Handle with care: Avoid overcrowding nets or stressing the fish during transfer.
5. Return sorted fish: Place each group in separate ponds or tanks with adequate water quality and oxygen.

Sorting works best when combined with good feeding practices and breeding methods such as artificial spawning techniques to produce strong and healthy stock.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Delaying sorting until the catfish are too large—this increases losses.
• Using inappropriate nets that injure the fish.
• Overcrowding after sorting, which cancels the benefits.
• Failing to feed according to size groups after sorting.

Conclusion

Sorting catfish at the right time and in the right way ensures uniform growth, reduces losses, and boosts profitability. Farmers who adopt this practice alongside proper stocking density, quality fingerlings, and smart business planning are more likely to succeed in the competitive aquaculture industry.