A Complete Guide for New and Experienced Fish Farmers by Bangla Krishi Khamar – Leading Fish Seed Hatchery

Catla fish farming in India has gained massive popularity among fish farmers due to its high market demand and the relatively easy technique of farming. Catla is a fast-growing freshwater fish species that brings in good profit when farmed properly. Over the years, due to the continuous efforts of farmers and experts, intensive Catla farming techniques have improved significantly. Today, farmers across different states are using a special type of fingerlings known as “pressure-conditioned fingerlings”, which grow much faster and perform better when stocked commercially.

Catla fish farming, when combined with Good Aquaculture Practices (GAP), can help you produce safer fish and earn a higher market price. This guide is designed in simple language to help even those with limited formal education understand the full process of Catla fish farming—from pond selection to seed stocking, feeding, and harvesting.

Step-by-Step Guide to Catla Fish Farming in India

1. Pond Selection

Choose a pond that is at least 40 decimals (0.4 acre) or bigger. The ideal water depth is between 4 to 6 feet. A rectangular-shaped pond with clay or loamy soil is best for Catla farming.

2. Pond Preparation

• Clean the banks and bottom: Remove bushes and branches around the pond. If there are large trees, trim the inner branches to allow enough sunlight to reach the water.
• Drain water if possible: To remove unwanted predatory fish and aquatic weeds, it’s better to drain out the water completely.
• If water cannot be drained, cast net multiple times to catch maximum fish.
• Use Rotenone at 25–30 grams per decimal-foot of water depth to remove leftover harmful fish. For example, a 1-acre pond with 4 feet depth will need about 10–12 kg of Rotenone.
• After 1–2 days of Rotenone application, apply agricultural lime at 1 kg per decimal. For a 1-acre pond, you’ll need 100 kg of lime.

3. Catla Fish Seed Stocking

• Stock the pond 4–5 days after preparation, when the water turns light green.
• Best time for stocking Catla Chaper Pona is February to March.
• While stocking, let the seed bag float in pond water and slowly mix pond water with bag water so the fish can adjust to the pond temperature and pH.
• Finally, release the fish gently into the pond.

Stocking Rate Tip:
Depending on the size of the seed, stocking rate may vary. If you use aerators like paddle wheels for oxygen and water flow, you can increase stocking density and get higher production. Chaper Pona can range in size from 250 grams to 1.5 kg at stocking.

4. Feeding Management

• Catla mainly relies on supplementary feed.
• You can either prepare the feed at home or buy commercial pellet feed.
• Feed amount should be 3% of the fish’s body weight daily until they reach 1.5 kg average weight. Feed twice daily—morning and evening.
• Once the fish grow beyond 1.5 kg, reduce feed to 2.5% of total pond fish weight.
• Check fish weight every 15 days by sampling.
• Buy feed only from trusted suppliers and follow regulations.

Homemade Feed Advantage:
Making feed at home can reduce costs and ensure quality if done correctly.

5. Risk Management in Catla Fish Farming

• Use stored feed within 1 month, or up to 3–4 months if treated with anti-fungal or anti-oxidants and stored properly.
• Monitor fish movement morning and evening, especially on cloudy days.
• During water shortage, add water from reliable sources.
• After heavy rain, drain excess water to avoid overflow.
• If Secchi disk reading falls below 8 cm, stop feeding.
• If fish gasp for air at the surface, increase oxygen using aerators or by stirring water manually.
• Pull nets occasionally to check fish health.
• Harvest market-sized fish early to allow space for smaller ones to grow.
• Harvest all fish by December if stocked in February-March.
• Plan harvest early in the morning for better results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is pressure-conditioned fingerlings in Catla fish farming?
pressure-conditioned fingerlings is a special type of Catla fingerling grown at high density during winter. It shows faster growth and higher survival when stocked commercially.

2. When is the best time to start Catla fish farming in India?
The best time to stock Catla is February to March, so the fish can grow well and be harvested before winter.

3. How much Catla fish seed should I stock per acre?
Stocking density depends on water quality and seed size. With proper aeration, you can increase the density and expect higher yields.

4. What type of feed is best for Catla fish?
You can use homemade feed or commercial pellet feed. Feed should be given based on the fish’s body weight—3% initially, reduced to 2.5% later.

5. How long does it take to harvest Catla fish?
Generally, Catla fish become marketable in 8–10 months, especially if you use Chaper Pona and maintain good practices.

6. Where can I buy Catla fish seed in India?
You can buy Catla fish seeds from Bangla Krishi Khamar, India’s leading hatchery and supplier. We provide high-quality seeds with pan-India delivery.