Cannibalism in Catfish: Causes and Ways to Overcome

Cannibalism in Catfish: Causes and Ways to Overcome

In conducting fish farming, various challenges arise during the breeding process, one of which is catfish farming. This fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, exhibits cannibalistic behavior due to a lack of food intake. This condition can lead to a reduction in the number of catfish in the pond from thousands to hundreds, as they prey on each other.

This phenomenon is not limited to pond environments; wild catfish also consume smaller fish, shrimp, and creatures smaller in size.

1. Causes of Catfish Cannibalism

Apart from food scarcity, several factors contribute to the emergence of cannibalistic behavior in catfish:

1. Cannibalism Due to Size Differences

Even though catfish of the same breeding age, they grow at varying sizes. This difference results from differences in growth rates among the fry. Larger or more robust catfish dominate in movement and food acquisition.

The size difference is influenced by genetics, health, immunity, opportunity, and aggressive tendencies when seeking food. This difference can be natural or the result of negligence by the fish cultivator who fails to sort the catfish by size.

As a consequence, larger catfish have the advantage in competing for food and tend to become voracious. When food is scarce, larger fish prey on smaller catfish.

2. Cannibalism Due to Limited Movement Space in Ponds

Limited movement space occurs when the volume of fish in a pond is overcrowded. This situation heightens competition for food and oxygen, leading to cannibalistic behavior as catfish prey on each other.

3. Cannibalism Due to Environmental Stress

A conducive environment provides tranquility for catfish. However, cultivators sometimes struggle to find suitable and comfortable locations. Locations near crowds, noise, and heavy foot traffic can stress the catfish.

High temperature fluctuations between day and night can also induce stress in catfish, making them more difficult to manage.

Managing Catfish Cannibalisme

Based on the above causes, there are several solutions to prevent cannibalistic behavior in catfish. Here's how to address it:

1. Regular and Adequate Feeding

Providing regular and sufficient feeding can minimize cannibalism. Feeding should be consistent and adequately met. The daily feeding requirement is around 5% of the catfish's body weight, divided into three times a day. Suitable feeding times include morning around 9-10 AM, evening at 6 PM, and at night around 10 PM.

The catfish's body weight or biomass should be checked every 10 days.

2. Adding Raw Feed

In addition to fish pellets, adding raw feed such as leftover chicken, offal, snails, or mollusks can be beneficial. Raw feed should be properly cooked, boiled, or roasted. Providing additional feed can supplement protein needs and curb cannibalistic tendencies.

3. Sorting Catfish by Size

Sorting catfish by size should be done every two weeks. This practice should begin with the initial fry stocking. Timely sorting prevents size discrepancy and curbs cannibalism. Special nets can be used to evenly distribute the catfish within the same pond. Ideally, two types of ponds are recommended: one for catfish under one month old and another for those older than one month.

4. Adding Clear Water Ponds

Rearing numerous catfish is not recommended in clear water ponds. Clear water allows catfish to see each other, and hungry catfish might attack one another. Preparing the pond water involves letting it sit undisturbed for one to four weeks, allowing natural algae growth. The green water limits visibility among catfish and serves as natural food due to the presence of algae and plankton. Adding probiotics can also be beneficial.

5. Opting for Larger Ponds

Larger ponds minimize the chances of cannibalism among catfish. High stocking density in confined spaces increases the risk of cannibalism. If large ponds are not available, reducing stocking density can help.

6. Isolating Injured Catfish

Fighting among catfish in a pond can result in injuries that stimulate aggressive behavior. Injured catfish might be attacked by healthier individuals until death occurs. Removing sharp objects like rocks or shards that might cause injuries is advisable.