Most of the humans are omnivores. Apart from consuming plant-based diets, they also feed on other animals to fulfill their protein requirement. Fishes are the most common protein source for humans.
This article discusses what catfish like to eat. Also, by the end of this article, we will discuss many interesting facts about catfish.
This article will even help you if you are planning to start a catfish farm because before starting a catfish culture farm, the main thing you should know is that feeding the wrong diet to the catfishes might affect their growth.
1. Where are Catfishes Found in the Wild?
Catfish prefer to reside in deep pools where they can hide behind trunks and stones so that they can escape predators. The majority of them can be seen lurking in the bottom of the freshwater lakes and rivers.
Catfish are also found in brackish and saltwater environments. Arius catfish can be found in brackish water areas where the sea is met with fresh water.
Blind cave catfish live in warm, dark caves of freshwater rivers, lakes, or pools.
2. Different Catfish Species
Catfishes are a diverse family of fish, as there are numerous different kinds of catfish species seen across the world. As we have already talked before, there are over 2,700 kinds of catfish known.
Some famous species among these are blue catfish, flathead catfish, and channel catfish. Each catfish has its own characteristics and habitat. Stinging catfish, walking catfish, pangas catfish, striped catfish, and sea catfish are famous in our country.
Walking catfishes can move over land, too. During the monsoon season, we can witness this when the habitat of the catfish becomes inundated.
3. Blue Catfish and Channel Catfish
Blue catfish, having a binomial name as “Ictalurus furcatus” is a popular catfish that is mostly found in North America. They are bluish-grey and have a white belly. These fishes prefer large bodies of water where they can live deep.
Additionally, Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) is also a well-renowned catfish from North America which is grey to brown and has a white belly. In addition, young channel catfishes have dark spots on their body. Their favorite place includes shallower waters.
4. Catfish Lifecycle
The life cycle of a catfish begins with the laying of eggs by mature female catfish. After this, we can observe the larval stage of the catfish. These larvae are tiny and have simple anatomical features.
The next stage is the sub-adult stage. The baby catfish continues to grow by taking food for metabolism. The baby catfish eat insects.
5. What Does Catfish Eat in the Wild?
Like humans, most catfishes are omnivores that feed on plants and meat, but some of them are carnivores, herbivores, and even limnivores. A special thing about them is that they are not picky eaters. They will eat anything from decayed matter to snails and worms. Whatever they can swallow, they are ready to consume them.
Adult catfish diets are different from what a young catfish eats. Adult catfish eat fish, but young catfish eat aquatic insects.
Loricariidae catfish are quite different from others because they prefer wood and algae over other foods.
The most common foods taken by catfishes are algae, small fishes, aquatic insects, aquatic plants, crayfish, snails and worms, plants, fish eggs, shrimps, and bluegill.
6. How do Wild Catfish Hunt?
Although different types of catfish have different feeding habits, their hunting methods are similar. Also, catfishes are renowned for having barbels, which are similar to whiskers.
Catfishes use these barbels to sense the taste and smell of their prey.
So anything that is a short distance with a catfish having a smell becomes prey for it undoubtedly.
7. What are the Feeding Habits of Wild Catfish?
Most of the catfishes are opportunity seekers. They always try to maximize their food intake. So they feed both during day time and night time.
But to the surprise, the African catfish is the only catfish that is active at night, but not completely nocturnal.
The dietary habits of a catfish might differ depending on their age, species, and the season.
White catfish can be seen consuming more worms and insects than blue catfish. The latter predominantly consume fish, aquatic plants, crustaceans, mollusks, and insects.
8. Nutritional Requirements for Catfish
For a catfish to grow healthy and stay strong enough, there are some nutritional requirements for them. They need a balanced diet that contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
8.1. Protein Requirement
Undoubtedly, proteins play an important role in healthy growth. Catfish also need a diet that is rich in protein.
For this, a catfish consumes fish meal, squid meal, and shrimp meal as these are foods rich in providing protein.
8.2. Carbohydrate Requirement
Carbohydrates are the major source of energy. Without carbohydrates, metabolism doesn’t take place in one’s body. They keep the catfish in good weight.
Foods like barley, wheat, corn, and grains are rich in carbohydrates, which can be fed to catfishes.
8.3. Fat Requirement
Fats are also crucial elements in a catfish’s diet. Fats also provide energy and maintain the health of the catfish.
Soybean oil and fish oil can be great sources of fats in catfish’s diet.
8.4. Vitamins and Minerals Requirement
For the good health and development of a catfish, vitamins and minerals are required.
Talking minerals, especially phosphorus and calcium, support the health of the fish’s bones and also teeth.
The Icy Tales team talked to Patti Yencho, Principal Agent and Owner of PIA Insurance Agency, about the needs of fish conservation. Here is what she said:
“In addressing the needs of fish conservation from an insurance perspective, we often overlook the parallels between protecting assets and protecting living ecosystems.
My experience in creating comprehensive insurance plans emphasizes the importance of considering all aspects of an individual’s life or business operations, which naturally extends to understanding and mitigating risks to our natural environment, including aquatic life.
Just as we assess risks and seek to cover all bases in protecting a client’s assets, a holistic approach is necessary when considering the conservation of fish and their habitats.
This includes recognizing their cognitive abilities and the necessity for ethical treatment and protective measures.
Given the substantial evidence of fish intelligence, memory, and social structures, our approach to their care, both in domestic and commercial environments, needs to be more nuanced.
For example, in crafting insurance plans, we consider the interconnectivity of various policies and how they support each other – similarly, conservation efforts must be interdisciplinary and multifaceted.
They should integrate scientific research, environmental policies, and public education to create a well-rounded approach to fish welfare and ecosystem health.
Conservation plans must account for the interconnectedness of ecosystems, understanding that actions in one sector can significantly impact aquatic life.
Practically, this might involve advocating for insurance products that incentivize sustainable fishing practices or support businesses implementing technology to minimize their environmental impact on aquatic ecosystems.
By drawing on the concept of a “whole-life or risk” approach in insurance advisement, we can encourage a shift in how environmental risks are perceived and managed.
For instance, creating insurance incentives for companies that invest in cleaner technologies or practices could promote a broader industry shift towards more sustainable operations that consider the cognitive capacities and welfare of fish.
This approach not only benefits the environment but also encourages businesses and individuals to adopt practices that align with long-term ecological viability, reflecting a commitment to stewardship that goes beyond mere compliance to genuinely caring for our planet’s diverse life forms.”
9. What Does Farm-Raised Catfish Eat?
Catfishes raised on the farm are usually fed with pellets. A good amount of protein is present in catfish pellets. These are given according to the temperature of the water.
When the water is over 18 degrees Celsius, floating pellets are advised. Also, slow-sinking pellets are utilized.
Farm-raised catfishes can additionally get other foods as well, like live fish, worms, and some fresh food. Oxygen levels in the water also affect their eating. So, make sure that the oxygen inside the water is sufficient and only feed catfish.
We interviewed Chris McDermott, Certified Life Care Planner, Intercoastal Consulting & Life Care Planning, on fish care. Here is what he had to say:
“The cognitive abilities and behaviors of fish require a reevaluation of their care and conservation. In domestic environments, this means they need enriched habitats and mental stimulation to promote their well-being.
Commercially, sustainable fishing practices and responsible aquaculture methods are essential to minimize harm and ensure long-term viability. In natural environments, conservation efforts should prioritize preserving habitats and minimizing human impact.
Pollution and overfishing are major concerns that need attention from conservationists.
Ethical considerations demand the humane treatment and protection of fish. Implement regulations to prevent overfishing, establish marine protected areas, and raise public awareness about the importance of fish conservation.
A holistic approach that integrates scientific knowledge, ethical considerations, and practical solutions is essential for the care and conservation of fish populations.”
10. Diet of Wild Catfish
Similar to farm-raised catfish, wild catfish also refuse to eat when the levels of oxygen are low inside the water.
But this is not a big problem for wild catfishes because they live in rivers and lakes where there is a constant flow of water and there is no scope for contamination of water.
Fishermen typically use a variety of baits, such as cut baitfish, hotdogs, soap, chicken livers, gizzards, necks, or dog food, to attract catfish. Wild catfish can choose different natural foods available in the water bodies. But they prefer to eat other fish
Pond catfish may experience weight changes in winter depending on feeding practices and environmental conditions.
11. In The End
In the conclusion of this article, catfishes are diverse creatures. There are many catfish species.
The feeding habits of the different types of catfish vary depending on their location, climate, and their species. Many catfishes are opportunistic feeders that will eat anything available, including algae, fish, worms, and insects.
Fishermen may choose any bait in these foods that catfish eat. They provide the fishermen with numerous opportunities for choosing bait.
Above all, catfishes have exceptionally high levels of senses. They use their barbels to sense their prey by smelling them with those barbels. Furthermore, they can detect the movement of the prey as well.
Finally, there are many kinds of catfish found across the world. At the same time, every catfish has different characteristics and habitats. They are easily found in rivers, lakes, ponds, and in large water bodies.
Guest Author: Saket Kumar
Last Updated on by Arnab