If you keep catfish in an aquarium or pond, you’ve probably wondered: What do catfish eat? These bottom-dwellers aren’t picky, but giving them the right food makes a big difference in their health, growth, and how long they live.
How Catfish Eat
Catfish are omnivores. In the wild, they feed on insects, worms, plants, small fish, and anything they can find at the bottom. When kept as pets, their diet should be balanced to match this natural behavior.
Best Foods for Aquarium Catfish
| Food Type | Examples | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|---|
| Catfish Pellets | Sinking pellets, wafers | Balanced nutrition, easy to eat |
| Vegetables | Peas, zucchini, cucumber slices | Helps digestion, adds variety |
| Protein Treats | Bloodworms, brine shrimp, insect larvae | Supports growth, keeps them active |
| Algae & Plants | Algae wafers, soft plants | Mimics natural feeding |
| Occasional Treats | Small shrimp, cut-up earthworms | Fun variety for enrichment |
Catfish Feeding Quick Guide
| Type of Catfish | What to Feed | How Often |
|---|---|---|
| Aquarium Catfish | Sinking pellets, veggies (peas, cucumber, zucchini), frozen worms/shrimp | 1–2 times daily, small portions |
| Pond Catfish | Pond pellets, insects, small fish, algae, veggies | Once daily in warm weather; little to none in cold months |
| Baby Catfish (Fry) | Powdered fry food, crushed pellets, micro worms | 3–4 small feedings daily |
What Pond Catfish Eat
Catfish in outdoor ponds often feed themselves. They’ll eat insects, snails, algae, and plant matter. You can also give them:
- Floating or sinking pond pellets
- Small feeder fish (if they’re large enough)
- Fresh vegetables
This keeps their diet balanced while letting them forage naturally.
How Often to Feed Catfish
- In aquariums: Feed once or twice a day in small amounts. Catfish prefer food that sinks to the bottom.
- In ponds: Feed once daily in warm weather when they’re active. In colder months, they eat much less.
Tip: Don’t overfeed. Leftover food pollutes the water and can harm your fish.
Foods to Avoid
Not everything is safe for catfish. Avoid:
- Bread, pasta, or starchy food
- Salty, fried, or spicy food
- Processed snacks or sugary items
FAQ
1. Do catfish eat algae?
Yes, many species will nibble on algae, but they can’t survive on algae alone. It should be part of a balanced diet, not the main food source.
2. Can catfish eat vegetables?
Absolutely! Blanched peas, cucumber slices, and zucchini are great choices. They’re easy to digest and provide fiber.
3. Do catfish eat other fish?
Large catfish might eat smaller fish if given the chance, especially in ponds. In aquariums, choose tank mates carefully.
4. Can I feed catfish bread or rice?
No. Bread, rice, and starchy foods can cause digestive issues and pollute the water. Stick to pellets, veggies, and protein.
5. How do I know if I’m overfeeding my catfish?
If food is left on the bottom after 5–10 minutes, you’re feeding too much. Overfeeding leads to poor water quality and unhealthy fish.
6. Do catfish eat at night?
Yes! Catfish are often more active at night, so feeding in the evening is a good idea.
7. Can catfish eat shrimp?
Yes, both live and frozen shrimp are a great protein treat, especially for larger catfish.
8. How often should I feed catfish fry (babies)?
Baby catfish need to eat more often—3 to 4 times a day in tiny amounts, usually powdered fry food or finely crushed pellets.
Final Thoughts
Catfish are easy to care for when you give them the right mix of pellets, vegetables, and protein-rich treats. They’ll stay active, healthy, and bring life to your tank or pond for years to come.