CATFISH FARMING : A QUICK GUIDE

Catfish, common name applied to members of the fish families constituting the order Siluriformes, found in fresh and coastal waters. Catfish are named for the barbels ( "whiskers" ) around their mouths and have scaleless skins, fleshy, rayless posterior fins, and sharp defensive spines in the shoulder and dorsal fins. They are able to use the swim bladder to produce sounds, and have a complex set of bones forming a sensitive hearing apparatus.

Catfish can be used for a number of purposes, depending on the specie, it can be used for aesthetic purposes(in the form of a fish pond), for commercial purposes (catfish farming),for sport etc.they can grow anywhere between 5in. to 13ft and weigh up to 250kg.

For the case of this tag, I shall be looking at catfish from the farming point of view. Catfish farming can be a very lucrative business, that is if u have the right tools to drive it to success. By right tools, I mean the necessary facilities and equipments. Even with the right tools, a proper knowledge about catfish farming is very necessary. Without the knowledge, the right tools cannot be applied properly.

Before going into catfish farming, some factors should be put into consideration. Such factors include:
(l) Adequate water supply: There must be constant supply of water of good quality and quantity. The watercan be from streams, lakes,
rivers, irrigation canals, springs, etc. Good quality water is necessary because it will provide oxygen and food to fish, create a medium for wastedischarge and reproduction. The water should not have a bad smell, taste or colour and should not be too muddy and must be free from pollution.

(2) Soil in the area: Soil in the area must be. _ fertile so as to supply nutrients to the fish. It . should be clay because (if its ability to hold water which is very importantin fish pond construction. Soil with too much sand or gravel is not good and would not retain water.

(3) Vegetation of the area: Low vegetation, eSpecially grasslands are preferred. Woody sites . are not suitable because clearing and stumping will greatly increase the cost of setting up the iish pond.

(4) Topography: The shape of the land should ‘ alldw for easy draining and filling of pond with water. The water'muust flow from a placethat is higher than the pond so that the water can flow into the pond directly if not, the need for water ' pumps would arise and this will increase the cost of the project. H owever. fish pond can be constrcuted on a flat or level ground but lots of soil have to be removed to create the slope.

(5)Availability of fast growing fish: in this case catfish

(6) Availability of supplementary feedstuff: Supplementary feeding is done to ensure rapid growth of fish and allow high stocking density. ' Artificial or compounded feeds in form of pellets are used to supplement the natural feed (planktons) The addition of fertilizers also pro motes the rapid growth of planktons.

Before anyone goes into this type of farming, said someone might want to ask, why catfish? Well below are some reasons:

Catfish sells faster than most other animal products in the market.

Catfish grows faster than most other animals; hence, the period of the ROI is shorter.

Catfish are bought in bulk also by people making health and beauty products.

There’s a very steady demand for catfish in the market.

The ROI from fish farming is very attractive and is enough compensation for your time and money.

Although the advantages may seem too good and risk worthy, it's also important to note the disadvantages:

Managing a fish farm is relatively more difficult than a goat or snail farm or even poultry.

Losses resulting from mistakes or management slips is always more fatal in fish farms than in any other case.

Fish from fish farms are always priced higher than freshly caught fishes. So you might find it more difficult selling your fishes if there are many fishermen in your market.

Setting up a catfish farm is very capital intensive. Much more than most other animals.

Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of the farming of the species is enough. A feasibility study should be performed. The purpose of this study is to determine the factors that will make the business opportunity that was presented in the business case a success.
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