Guide on Stocking Catfish in Concrete & Earthen Pond

Catfish farming has gained popularity as one of the most lucrative agribusinesses in Africa. The requisite knowledge of stocking catfish in concrete pond and other types of ponds has been a challenge to farmers.
Lack of knowledge on proper stocking alone contributes to one of the reasons many fish farmers have a high rate of mortality on the farms.
In this article we will show you two things;
- Stocking density of catfish in concrete ponds.
- Stocking density of catfish in earthen ponds.
In Nigeria, farmers prefer raising catfish to other species because of its rugged spirit that adapts to our climate/ environment.
Due to the opportunities abound in fish farming; a lot of people continue to jump into the business thinking they could become instant millionaires without first asking questions.
The truth is, fish farming is not the way most media houses hyped it to be. So many newbies have been deceived into purchasing thousands of fish without being told what and what is involved (in terms of feeding and stocking).
Many lost their fish as no one taught them the secrets involved in stocking the catfish in the pond, pond construction, treatment and feeding.
Reading this piece could be because you have probably made one or two mistakes in the business or you want to seek knowledge before you start fish farming. Here, I will show you the untold truth about stocking catfish in both concrete and earthen ponds.
Number of Fish to a Pond
This stage is where new fish farmers get it all wrong. The size of your pond determines the quantity of fish to be stocked.
That you have enough money to buy 3,000 to 5,000 fingerlings or juveniles for a start is never a problem. The big issue is not having alternative ponds to sort the fishes as they grow because most of them will die due to inadequate oxygen while some will end up having stunted growth.
Do not start construction of alternative ponds after stocking because they will grow faster before the work is completed and when that happens, you will definitely lose some of your fish. Get everything ready before you start.
In this piece, we are going to focus only on the earthen pond and concrete pond.
Stocking Catfish in Earthen Pond
In an earthen pond(s), stock a maximum of 2 fish per square metre. The stocking density of catfish in earthen ponds is slightly different from that of concrete ponds.
To find out how many square meters’ your pond is, simply multiply the width by the length and the depth then divide by 3. Whatever you get after your calculation is multiplied by 2.
Example
Width x Length x Depth 3
10ft x 15ft x 4ft 3
600/3 = 200sqm
2 x 200sqm = 400 fish
The above calculation shows that for earthen pond size of 10ft by 20ft having a depth of 4ft can comfortably be stocked with 200 fish.
Stocking Catfish in Concrete Pond
Let’s see the stocking density of catfish in concrete ponds.
Understand that the style for stocking catfish in the concrete pond(s) is quite different when it comes to earthen ponds, tarpaulin, and tank ponds.
Unlike the earthen pond, we stock a maximum of 5fishes per square metre in concrete ponds.
Example
Width x Length x Depth 3
10ft x 15ft x 4ft 3
600/3 = 200sqm
5 x 200sqm = 1,000 fishes
Therefore, 1000 catfishes can comfortably be introduced into a concrete pond of this size.
Plastic Tanks
This section was is added for the benefit of those who asked about the stocking density of catfish in plastic tanks. Just like the concrete ponds, plastic tanks have different sizes.
The calculation for stocking catfish in plastic tank is simple, just apply the same method we use in the concrete pond.
In catfish farming, there is no calculator that generates stocking density automatically for your farm. Use the simple formula provided in this post to do the work by yourself.
Reminder
What you will be doing in the next six months after successfully stocking your pond(s) is feeding. Feeding starts a day after you must have introduced the fishes into the pond not immediately.
Note that 80% of your investment will go into feeding the fish. Here is where smart farmers survive the system more than the lazy ones. What every smart farmer does is learn how to manage his resources by studying to know how to formulate local feed to supplement.
You can feed your fish with already formulated fish feed or locally formulated ones. Find out how much it will cost to feed 1000 catfish so as to know how to maximize profit using locally formulate fish feed.
Summary
Fish farming is a lucrative business, if you do it well you make profits. If you fail to learn the tricks involved you will lose and go home.
Before venturing into this kind of business, try to learn every possible thing you see about catfish farming. You could consult someone who has been in the business for a couple of years or someone who has managed a catfish farm in the past. By so doing you avoid mistakes that could send you parking from the business.
For those who do not have the resources needed to venture into fish farming, we have an article on how to raise capital to start your own farm you should read.
Remember that there is no catfish stocking density calculator that will work other than your brain and the formulas above.
Kindly share this article if you find it helpful!!!!!!
I have interest in learning more about catfish and tilapia fish farming
we can help you for the start up. we also teach people on feed production
i’m interested in learning additional information on how to treat the concrete pond before stocking
Good. We will soon finish our construction and treatment.
keep you posted
Please I plan to venture into cat fish farming. Do you mind guiding me and putting me through.
We can help you
Good job
I will love to learn about catfish and tilapia where do you stay please
Currently in Anambra State. Will send you email soon on how to meet with us
Dear Sir,
Where is your location to learn feed formulation ?
Thanks
Regard,
Ike Nicholas
Anambra State.. We will post fish formulation soon. Just Keep an eye on the blog
I’m interested in local feed formulation
Always check back. We will soon upload an article covering that
I like ur post very clear and understanding
I know how to formulate feeds very well am try to make floating feeds make feed only float for like 2seconds trying to improve on that
Do you have a written books for fish farmer beginners? I would love to have one. Thanks
Will work on one soon
A very good initiative to emulate. As a beginner l started by making concrete ponds available. Next by sending me your phone no for for easy contact. (Now leaving in Daura Katsina State.
Greatly appreciate your write-ups. I want to learn to raise catfish and I will like to learn from you.