Smolts may be produced in freshwater hatcheries or purchased. They are usually raised in ponds. Culture ponds are typically fertilized with a vegetable material such as soybean meal or wheat sorts which stimulates the growth of algae. The resultant plankton bloom is eaten by the fish. Some growers use a low protein, commercial fish feed.
Potential markets exist for fathead minnows as bioassay and research animals.
Both fingerlings and feeds are commercially available. Most channel catfish are raised in the southern United States in ponds one-half to ten acres in size. Cage and net pen culture are also practiced. In an existing pond, cage culture represents one way for those considering fish fanning to try their hand at fish culture with a minimal cash investment. Catfish can survive a wide range of temperatures and will tolerate brackish water.