Discovering Catfish: Facts, Farming and Flavour

Five reasons catfish is gaining fans and why farms are growing to meet global demand

Looking for a fish that’s tasty, versatile and is increasingly being farmed responsibly? Catfish might just be your new favourite…

Around the world, catfish is enjoying a boom in popularity. More people are cooking it at home, more restaurants are adding it to their menus and more communities rely on it as an everyday source of healthy protein.

To supply this growing demand, catfish farming has become more prevalent. When it’s done right, it’s good for people and the planet.

Did you know: ASC is expanding the scope of the ASC Farm Standard to include multiple catfish species

From their wide-ranging diets to their adaptable nature and global culinary appeal, here are five reasons catfish farming is becoming a real aquaculture success story.

One name, many species

“Catfish” isn’t just a single species; it’s a whole family of over 5,000!

From the famous Pangasius to African catfish, Channel catfish in the US, and even the giant Wels in Europe, each has its own taste and traditions. These species differ in size and shape, as well as habitat and feeding needs. Yes, there are shared traits (like those trademark whiskers), and some similarities in how they’re farmed, but the differences are just as important.

This huge variety makes catfish appealing across cultures and cuisines — and it’s a big reason farming has spread to nearly 90 countries.

We’ve put a lot of effort into understanding these variations to ensure each species is assessed on its own terms in the ASC Farm Standard. Because when it comes to responsible seafood farming, catfish can’t be treated as one-size-fits-all!

A global tradition, locally rooted

From African soups to American gumbo to European stews, catfish has been part of local food culture for generations. For many communities, these species carry a long history and cultural importance beyond just their economic and culinary value.

Now, with modern farming techniques, it’s easier than ever to make catfish available year-round, all over the world. That mix of deep tradition and modern farming is helping catfish move from local favourite to global staple.

Better for the planet

In the wild, many catfish species are opportunistic omnivores, eating a varied diet of plants, insects, and small animals. They are naturally efficient eaters.

On farms, catfish are fed carefully balanced diets designed specifically for their health. Catfish can thrive on feeds with as little as 10% protein, often using plant-based ingredients. Their adaptable digestion and efficient growth make catfish a low input aquaculture species.

This efficiency makes catfish farming a smart choice as the world looks for more responsible ways to produce food.

Raising catfish the right way

Catfish are hardy and can tolerate various conditions, however commercial farms prioritise clean, well-managed environments to keep the fish healthy and the water clean. From traditional ponds to high-tech recirculating systems, farmers monitor everything from oxygen levels to water quality.

That careful attention means farms can scale up responsibly, meeting growing demand without compromising on safety, quality, or the environment.

With catfish set to be included in the ASC Farm Standard, our strict water quality requirements ensure transparency, accountability and high environmental standards.

Versatile, delicious and underrated

Catfish has long been part of traditional diets in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. It’s used in everything from smoky stews and spicy curries to grilled or fried fillets and even gourmet dishes.

Its mild flavour and firm texture make it incredibly versatile. It’s a culinary chameleon!

Catfish recipes:

• Crispy and golden: Krokante kibbeling | Jumbo – Europe
• Comforting and rich: African Catfish Stew – Africa
• Spicy and warming: Southern Seafood Gumbo – US
• Zesty and fresh: Lime Broiled Catfish – US
• Traditional and hearty: Harcsapaprikás – Hungarian Wels Catfish Stew – Europe

Catfish is on the rise, why not join the trend? Whether it’s for a family meal or a new recipe adventure, it’s a fish worth discovering!

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