Catfish tails? Introduction and breeding
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Ictalurus punctatus, commonly known as the channel catfish, is a large freshwater fish belonging to the order Siluriformes, not Diptera or Amaranthidae. It can grow up to 35 kg in weight. This species thrives in water temperatures ranging from 0°C to 38°C, with an optimal growth range of 15°C to 32°C. It requires dissolved oxygen levels above 3 mg/L and prefers a pH between 6.8 and 7.5. The catfish can tolerate salinity levels from 0.1 to 8, making it adaptable to various environments. As an omnivore, it feeds on aquatic insects, small fish, crustaceans, algae, and organic debris. In captivity, it is often fed commercial feed.
Channel catfish are highly valued for their high meat content, rich protein, and vitamin levels. Their flesh is tender, flavorful, and free of intermuscular bones, making them a popular choice for aquaculture and consumption.
For breeding, broodstock ponds should be 2 to 3 mu (approximately 0.3 to 0.5 hectares) in size, located near a water source with good irrigation and drainage. The pond bottom should be smooth, either sandy or hard, with a depth of about 1.5 meters. Water quality must be maintained, and inlet and outlet facilities should include screens to prevent unwanted fish entry. Before stocking, the pond should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
Broodstock selection involves choosing healthy fish over four years old, weighing at least 1.5 kg. Stocking density varies depending on pond size: 120–150 fish per acre in 2–3-acre ponds, and 120–130 fish per acre in 4–6-acre ponds. The total weight per mu should be around 200–250 kg. Juvenile fish such as grass carp or silver carp may also be stocked to help control water quality. A 1:1 sex ratio is recommended for optimal spawning.
Feeding broodstock involves providing high-protein feed (33%–36% crude protein). Feeding rates depend on water temperature: 1% of body weight at 5–12°C, 2% at 12–20°C, and 3%–4% at 20–35°C. About a month before and after spawning, feeding frequency should increase to promote gonad development. Feed is typically distributed in 10% of the pond area, directly placed into the water.
Spawning ponds require clean, well-oxygenated water with a transparency of at least 45 cm, pH between 6.5 and 8.5, and dissolved oxygen above 4 mg/L. To prevent floating heads, which can inhibit spawning, new water should be added every 10 days. During spawning, water level should be kept at 1.2–1.4 m, and spawning nests should be placed in the pond.
Ovaries, or egg nests, are used to collect eggs. These can be made from old barrels or containers with one end open and the other covered with nylon mesh to prevent eggs from escaping. Nests are placed 3–5 meters away from the pond edge, facing the center to encourage broodstock to use them. Each nest is tied to a float for easy retrieval.
Eggs are collected when water temperatures reach 18–19°C and inspected once the temperature rises above 20°C. If broodstock are present, the nest is gently lowered to drive them out. Fertilized eggs are carefully removed and transported in water with a temperature difference no more than 3–4°C. Transport time should be limited to avoid hypoxia.
Incubation equipment includes hatching tanks, cement pools, and loops. Optimal incubation temperature is 23–28°C, with dissolved oxygen above 6 mg/L and pH between 6.5 and 8.0. Eggs are disinfected daily using potassium permanganate or oxytetracycline to prevent bacterial infections, and formaldehyde to combat fungal growth.
Hatching tanks are equipped with water wheels to maintain water circulation at 28–30 revolutions per minute. Water flow is controlled through inlet valves and overflow pipes. After 2–3 days, fry are siphoned into nursery ponds or cages. Once the yolk sac disappears, they are moved to seedling ponds for further growth.