How to Raise Fingerling Catfish in a Tank Aquarium

Catfish are a very hardy variety of fish that thrive in a variety of situations, including aquarium living. Young catfish, known as fingerlings because of their small size, can be raised indoors in aquariums just like typical pet fish, although their natural habitat must be closely reproduced for best results. Raising fingerling catfish in a tank aquarium is not difficult and can be done with just a few aquarium accessories.

Things You'll Need

  • Large aquarium
  • Gravel
  • Natural coverage
  • Filter
  • Aquarium heater
  • Catfish food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wash your aquarium out to remove any dust or buildup that might have accumulated on the glass. Catfish grow in relation to the size of their environment, so the larger the tank, the larger your fish will get. A minimum size of 50 gallons is adequate to allow your catfish to thrive.

    • 2

      Fill the bottom of your aquarium with an inch of clean, small gravel. Catfish in the wild usually live in areas covered with small rocks, and this gravel will mimic their natural habitat. Rinse the gravel under running water and make sure the rocks are free of debris before filling your aquarium.

    • 3

      Place a number of larger rocks and natural plants in your tank. Most species of catfish like to hide under ledges and among plant life, so adding these to your tank will make your fish feel at home. You can gather these from ponds and streams or buy them at a pet store.

    • 4

      Fill your aquarium with clean water and let the tank sit for a few days. This sitting will allow the chemicals and chlorine in the water to break down and dissipate to prevent your fish from becoming ill.

    • 5

      Attach a filter to the side of the tank and plug it in to allow the water to aerate. In the wild, catfish prefer areas with a fairly steady flow of fresh oxygen in the water. A filtration system mimics natural oxygenation.

    • 6

      Plug your heater in and set it in your tank. Most species of catfish live in moderately temperate climates and prefer water temperatures in the mid-70s F., although young catfish thrive at slightly higher temperatures. Turn the heater on and allow the water temperature to stabilize before adding your fish.

    • 7

      Introduce your fish slowly, allowing them to rest for a full day before feeding them. Feeding your catfish a commercially available catfish pellet diet, supplemented with worms and small insects such as crickets, will allow them to grow and keep them healthy as they enjoy life in their new aquarium.