How Do I Raise Patin Fish in the Philippines?

The Philippines is a tropical country that contains numerous rivers, lakes and deep pools. The raising and harvesting of patin catfish is deeply rooted in the culture of Philippine people. This large catfish species thrives both in natural muddy pools and in the pools that Philippine farmers utilize for their keeping and breeding. In their home pools, small-scale Philippine fish farmers earn a living by producing this edible catfish species, which supplies the local people with an important nutritional source that provides a high protein diet throughout the year.

• 1

  Choose an area on the property where the water retention of the soil is at least 3-foot during the dry, non monsoon months of each year. During the monsoon months, there will be more than sufficient rain to keep the pond full.

• 2

  Locate the pond to take advantage of the wind, which will move surface water and help to aerate the pond.

• 3

  Plant hedges around the pond if the only sites available are very windy. In this case, position the pond at right angles to the prevailing wind, if possible.

• 4

  Dig a pond that will cover a 0.25 acre area. Dig the pond 30-foot deep in the shallow end that slopes to a maximum depth of 60-foot in the deep end.

• 5

  Erect fencing that is strong enough to keep cattle away from the pond, as their hooves will break the soil sides, and they will muddy the water by wading in to drink.

• 6

  Build a water proof structure in which to prepare and store the patin diet. This diet consists of the residue from soy and grains, pieces of fish and bones that are dried and ground into flour. Store the fish nets in this shelter, when not in use.

• 7

  Initiate a regular maintenance regime to check for broken and crumbling pond sides and predators, such as rats and snakes.

• 8

  Monitor the pond and remove any build up of mud, silt and the sludge caused by organic fish waste. Carefully fill buckets under water with this sludge and deposit as far from the pond as possible.

• 9

  Ideally, do not use the pond for any other activity other than for farming fish. Additional ponds must be dug for domestic water use, bathing or the keeping of waterfowl.