Catfish farming is one of the most popular aquaculture businesses in Indonesia and many parts of the world. Known for its relatively easy process and low capital requirement, it’s an ideal venture for beginners. However, success in catfish farming requires proper knowledge, planning, and ongoing management.
If you’re just getting started, here are some essential tips to help you build a productive and sustainable catfish farm.
1. Choose the Right Location and Pond Type
Location is key to successful catfish farming. Select a spot that:
- Is close to a clean water source
- Receives adequate sunlight
- Is easy to access and monitor
When it comes to pond types:
- Tarpaulin ponds are great for beginners due to low cost and easy setup
- Earthen ponds provide a more natural environment
- Concrete ponds offer better control over water and hygiene conditions
2. Select High-Quality Catfish Fingerlings
Your harvest begins with the right fingerlings. Choose healthy, active fish from a trusted hatchery. Ensure they are of similar size and show no signs of disease. Poor-quality seeds can lead to slow growth, inconsistent sizes, and higher mortality rates.
3. Maintain Good Water Quality
Catfish grow best in clean, balanced water. Key parameters to monitor include:
- pH level between 6.5 and 8.0
- Temperature between 26–30°C
Regular partial water changes help remove leftover feed and waste that may cause disease. Remember, poor water quality is one of the leading causes of fish health problems.
4. Provide Proper Feeding
Feeding your fish correctly is crucial to growth and survival. Use quality feed with 30–35% protein content, and feed them 3–4 times a day depending on age and biomass.
Avoid overfeeding — not only does it waste money, but excess feed can also degrade water quality and increase disease risk.
5. Monitor Fish Growth and Health Regularly
Frequent checks help you detect issues early, such as disease or uneven growth. Keep clear and consistent records of:
- Feeding schedules
- Growth rate
- Water quality metrics
These records help optimize your management strategy and prevent unnecessary losses.
💡 Tip: Leverage digital tools like Ternakin to streamline your farming process. Ternakin makes it easy to schedule feeding, log fish growth, and track water conditions — all in one app. This level of organization can significantly boost your farm’s productivity.
6. Prepare for Harvest Properly
Catfish are typically ready for harvest at around 2.5 to 3 months, depending on their growth and target market size. Handle the harvest gently to minimize fish stress and damage.
For marketing, explore various channels:
- Local collectors
- Traditional markets
- Online platforms
A multi-channel strategy helps you reach more buyers and improve profit margins.
Conclusion
Catfish farming can be a rewarding and profitable venture with the right approach. By applying the tips above and using smart tools like Ternakin, beginners can avoid common pitfalls and scale their operations effectively.
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