ANR-195, Reprint February 1997. By John Jensen, Extension Fisheries Specialists, Professor, Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquaculture, and Jerry Crews, Extension Economist, Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, Auburn University.

Channel Catfish Production In Ponds

Catfish farming has grown rapidly since its beginning in the 1960s. More than 18,000 acres of water were used in commercial catfish production in Alabama in 1990. In the United States, catfish farming is the largest aquacultural industry, with more than 150,000 acres of water used to produce an estimated 425 million pounds of farm-raised catfish in 1989.

Much of the total U.S. commercial production is sold to catfish processors. Some producers sell live or dressed catfish through local outlets. Many growers stock their ponds for commercial recreational fishing, and others sell their catfish to live-fish haulers who deliver primarily to recreational fishing lakes.

Catfish are grown in ponds, cages, and raceways. However, pond culture is by far the most common method of production. Channel catfish require a warm water environment for good growth. Optimum temperature for growth is 85°F. North Alabama has about 200 days per year when water temperature is above 60°F, while extreme South Alabama may have 250 days. All regions of Alabama are suitable for commercial catfish production. Other factors being equal, a greater annual production and return on investment will be achieved with a longer growing season.

The future for catfish farming in Alabama appears bright. Catfish producers do encounter some difficulties, including uncertain markets, "off-flavor," water quality control, bird predation, harvesting difficulties, and disease control. Still, the risks are not much different from those encountered in other farm crops, and the industry continues to expand. However, management requirements are higher for catfish production than for most other crop or livestock enterprises. This publication briefly outlines the basic requirements for successful catfish farming in Alabama.

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Review

This publication was designed to inform the general public about the catfish industry and to help prospective and existing catfish producers make rational investment and operational decisions for commercial scale farms. It highlights some of the difficulties, complexities, risks, and opportunities of catfish farming. Catfish farming is one of the most intensive forms of large-scale agriculture practiced today. It requires considerable capital investment, and it is a high-risk venture not suited to everyone.

Catfish farming is in is infancy. Problems involving genetic improvement, off-flavor, disease prevention, predator control, drug registration, water use and discharge, and market development continue to be addressed by researchers, Extension workers government agencies, fish farmers, and other interested parties. No one has all the answer required for risk-free operation. The future is bright but should be approached with caution.

For more information, call your county Extension office. Look in your telephone directory under your county's name to find the number.