Tag catfish

Although relatively expensive, mechanical aeration increases production. Asian-style paddlewheel aerators are widely used but are inefficient. Testing has led to more efficient designs that are now widely used in U.S. catfish and shrimp ponds. 

In life cycle analysis of aquaculture, there is a danger of the entire array of embodied resources and impacts being assigned to the production facility. Producers have no control over the inefficiencies or impacts associated with feed production, but can help lessen resource use through good management practices. 

A study compared holding gravid catfish in mesh bags to tanks as a stress-reduction strategy and to improve reproductive performance. 

Clove oil and eugenol have been recommended and used as anesthetics for several fish species. Moreover, these products have received the attention of researchers because of their chemo-preventive effects, as well as their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 

Phytogenics comprise a class of plant-derived feed additives that improve animal performance. They have been shown to exert multiple positive effects in fish and shrimp, including improvement of feeding efficiency and digestion, reduction of nitrogen excretion and improvement of gut flora and health. 

Field trails in Alabama, USA, demonstrated the potential of raising striped mullet with Pacific white shrimp in inland ponds. Using wild-caught fingerlings at low density, the trials found the same survival rates as for mullet and shrimp grown separately. 

The yellow coloration in catfish fillets caused by carotenoids does not affect flavor, but many consumers see the yellowish fillets as inferior. 

Lab studies with channel catfish and rainbow trout have found that phytogenic feed additives like essential oils can help improve weight gain, feed conversion and immunity to disease. 

In a laboratory trial, juvenile pangasius given a diet with 0.2 percent potassium diformate (KDF) had better weight gain, feed conversion and survival than fish that did not receive KDF. 

A significant correlation was established between ovarian fluid pH of stripped eggs and subsequent hatch of hybrid catfish eggs. 

The Fishery is an inland farm in California that raises largemouth bass, carp, sturgeon and catfish in a recirculating system that minimizes water use. 

Hybrid catfish offer production advantages over channel catfish. Trials show greater survival, faster growth and shorter production cycles. 

Studies by the author demonstrated that until morning D.O. concentrations fell below 3.0 mg/L, feed consumption of channel catfish was not affected. 

With pangasius imports growing in Central and South American production areas, one response is to introduce the fish as a new aquaculture species. 

Auburn University researched how to improve economic efficiency and profitability of catfish production with in-pond raceway systems. IPRS systems help achieve high levels of feed performance and fish survival, and lower production costs.