Channel catfish have excellent feed conversion ratios. Conversion ratios of 1.5-2.0 are common. This means that channel catfish convert 1.5-2.0 pounds of feed into 1.0 pound of fish. Cattle, swine and chickens all have higher conversion ratios and are therefore less efficient converters than catfish. Another important quality of channel catfish is their capacity for surviving poor water quality.
Channel catfish can withstand low oxygen levels for short periods by breathing at the surface.
However, they are susceptible to high concentrations of nitrogen compounds. These conditions are most common in high density culture ponds. Catfish are more easily infected with disease when stressed with poor water quality. . Although they are stream fish, reproduction, growth and survival in reservoirs and ponds is very good. Usually, channel catfish reach sexual maturity in their third year.