Training & Care

Beginner-Friendly Catfish Fingerling Management Guide

Proper care after purchasing fingerlings determines survival rate, growth speed, and farm success. Follow these steps carefully.

1. Acclimatization

• Do not pour fingerlings directly into your pond.
• Float the transportation bag on the pond water for 10–15 minutes.
• This equalizes temperature and reduces shock.

2. Water Quality

• Use clean water with no chemicals or detergents.
• pH should be between 6.5–8.0.
• Avoid strong algae bloom in new ponds.

3. First Feeding

• Do not feed immediately after stocking.
• Wait 24 hours to reduce stress.
• Start with quality 0.2–0.8mm floating feed.

4. Stocking Density

• Concrete pond: 80–100 fingerlings per square meter.
• Earthen pond: 8–10 per square meter.
• Tarpaulin pond: 50–80 per square meter depending on aeration.

5. Daily Management

• Feed 2–3 times daily (morning, afternoon, evening).
• Observe eating behavior and adjust feed ration.
• Remove dead fish immediately to avoid ammonia build-up.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfeeding (causes water pollution).
• Sudden water changes.
• Using untreated borehole water without aeration.
• Mixing fingerlings from different farms.

7. Mortality Reduction Tips

• Add mild salt solution during first stocking (optional).
• Maintain stable water temperature.
• Use quality feed only.
• Keep predators away (birds, frogs, snakes).