GITNUXREPORT 2025

Catfish Statistics

Global catfish market worth $8.4 billion; U.S. industry employs thousands sustainably.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Catfish farming is considered a sustainable aquaculture practice due to its low environmental impact

Statistic 2

Catfish farming produces less greenhouse gas emissions per kilogram than many land-based sources of animal protein

Statistic 3

Seafood watchdog groups have raised concerns about the environmental practices in some catfish farming operations, leading to industry reforms

Statistic 4

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) has certification standards for responsible catfish farming, promoting sustainability

Statistic 5

Researchers are exploring the use of alternative feeds like insect meal and plant-based proteins for sustainable catfish aquaculture

Statistic 6

The main challenges facing the industry include disease management, water quality issues, and competition from imported products

Statistic 7

The majority of farmed catfish in the U.S. are produced with a focus on minimal environmental impact, supported by federal and state regulations

Statistic 8

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides financial assistance and grants to support sustainable aquaculture practices, including catfish farming

Statistic 9

The use of green and renewable energy sources in catfish farming operations is increasing to meet sustainability goals

Statistic 10

The majority of American consumers prefer to buy locally farmed catfish, supporting regional economies and reducing carbon footprint

Statistic 11

The International Standard for responsible aquaculture practices includes criteria specific to catfish farming, ensuring environmental and social responsibility

Statistic 12

The environmental footprint of farmed catfish is significantly lower compared to many terrestrial livestock, due to efficient feed conversion and low land use

Statistic 13

Climate change poses a risk to freshwater aquaculture, including catfish farms, through altered water temperatures and availability

Statistic 14

Catfish farming in the U.S. increased by 4.3% in 2022 compared to the previous year

Statistic 15

The global demand for catfish is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2022 to 2030

Statistic 16

The most common method of feeding farmed catfish is with pelleted feed designed specifically for catfish

Statistic 17

The use of antibiotics in commercial catfish farming is minimal and regulated to ensure food safety

Statistic 18

The U.S. catfish industry has invested heavily in biotechnology to improve disease resistance and growth rates

Statistic 19

The export value of Vietnamese catfish to the United States has increased by over 15% annually over the last five years

Statistic 20

The global market for processed catfish products, such as fillets and fish sticks, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% through 2030

Statistic 21

The nutritional profile of catfish makes it a popular choice for health-conscious consumers seeking lean protein options

Statistic 22

The trend toward organic and sustainably farmed catfish is increasing, driven by consumer demand for environmentally friendly products

Statistic 23

The World Bank advocates for aquaculture as a means to enhance global food security, including sustainable catfish farming

Statistic 24

Catfish aquaculture is increasingly adopting recirculating systems to improve sustainability and reduce water usage

Statistic 25

The genetic improvement programs in catfish breeding aim to enhance growth rate, disease resistance, and feed efficiency

Statistic 26

The global trend towards plant-based diets has led to increased interest in alternative protein sources to fish, affecting aquatic food markets including catfish

Statistic 27

In recent years, the use of automation and robotic systems has increased in catfish processing plants to improve efficiency

Statistic 28

The nutritional labeling of farmed catfish in the U.S. is regulated by the FDA to ensure transparency and consumer awareness

Statistic 29

The farmed catfish industry has experienced consolidation, with larger integrated companies purchasing smaller farms to enhance supply chain efficiency

Statistic 30

Innovations in vaccine development are aiding in disease prevention in catfish aquaculture, reducing losses

Statistic 31

The growth rate of farmed catfish can be accelerated through optimized feeding regimes and water temperature management

Statistic 32

The adoption of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems is being explored to diversify and enhance sustainability in catfish farming

Statistic 33

Data shows that young farmers are increasingly entering the catfish industry as a profitable venture, reversing some decline trends

Statistic 34

The farmed catfish sector has developed traceability systems using blockchain technology to enhance food safety and consumer confidence

Statistic 35

The global catfish market was valued at approximately $8.4 billion in 2021

Statistic 36

Over 30,000 people are employed directly or indirectly in the U.S. catfish industry

Statistic 37

The average weight of farmed catfish at harvest is approximately 1.5 pounds

Statistic 38

In the United States, catfish consumption per capita was about 2.2 pounds in 2021

Statistic 39

The global aquaculture production of catfish exceeds 2 million metric tons annually

Statistic 40

The majority of farmed catfish are harvested between 16 and 24 months

Statistic 41

About 75% of the U.S. domestic catfish produced is sold fresh, with the remaining sold as frozen or processed products

Statistic 42

The American Catfish industry contributes approximately $2 billion annually to the U.S. economy

Statistic 43

The production of farmed catfish in Vietnam is estimated to surpass 1 million metric tons annually, making it the largest exporter to the U.S.

Statistic 44

The economic impact of the U.S. catfish industry includes supporting numerous small family farms, many of which have been in operation for over 20 years

Statistic 45

The U.S. imports over 200 million pounds of catfish annually, mostly from Vietnam and other Asian countries

Statistic 46

The price of farmed catfish fillets in the U.S. averages around $7.50 per pound, varying by quality and region

Statistic 47

The United States is the second-largest importer of catfish globally, after China, primarily sourcing from Southeast Asia

Statistic 48

Alabama is the leading catfish-producing state in the United States, accounting for over 60% of U.S. production

Statistic 49

The primary countries exporting catfish to the U.S. are Vietnam, China, and Cambodia

Statistic 50

Fish processing facilities for catfish are mostly concentrated in the southern United States, especially Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas

Statistic 51

The top 10 global countries producing catfish contribute over 80% of the world's catfish output

Statistic 52

The average farm size for catfish ponds in the U.S. is around 15 acres

Statistic 53

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the majority of catfish farms are located in rural counties within Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas

Statistic 54

The main species farmed for commercial catfish production is the North American catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

Statistic 55

Catfish can live in various freshwater environments including ponds, lakes, and reservoirs

Statistic 56

The feed conversion ratio (FCR) for farmed catfish is approximately 1.5:1, meaning 1.5 pounds of feed produce 1 pound of fish

Statistic 57

The lifespan of a farmed catfish in captivity ranges from 7 to 10 years

Statistic 58

Catfish is a rich source of protein, providing approximately 20 grams of protein per 3-ounce cooked serving

Statistic 59

Catfish is often used in a variety of culinary dishes including fried catfish, catfish stew, and grilled catfish

Statistic 60

The mortality rate in commercial catfish farming is generally less than 10%, due to controlled environments and health management

Statistic 61

The color of farmed catfish flesh is typically white or off-white, which is favored by consumers in the U.S.

Statistic 62

The main health benefits of eating catfish include high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, though the omega-3 levels are lower than oily fish like salmon

Statistic 63

The dietary requirement for fish feed includes essential amino acids, lipids, vitamins, and minerals tailored for catfish growth

Statistic 64

The majority of farmed catfish in the U.S. are raised in controlled pond systems with aeration to maintain oxygen levels

Statistic 65

Catfish’s ability to thrive in warm freshwater environments makes it suitable for aquaculture in tropical and subtropical regions

Statistic 66

Fishery management practices include strict monitoring of water quality, temperature, and feed to ensure healthy growth of farmed catfish

Statistic 67

Catfish has a mild flavor and a flaky texture, making it versatile for various cooking styles worldwide

Statistic 68

The quality control and food safety protocols for farmed catfish include strict pathogen testing and HACCP compliance

Statistic 69

The average lifespan of a farmed catfish can be extended with proper care and optimal conditions, sometimes exceeding 10 years in captivity

Statistic 70

The resilience of catfish populations has improved through selective breeding programs, leading to higher yields and better disease resistance

Statistic 71

The fiber content in catfish fillets is low, making it suitable for low-fat diets, with approximately 2 grams of fat per 100 grams of fish

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Key Highlights

The global catfish market was valued at approximately $8.4 billion in 2021
Alabama is the leading catfish-producing state in the United States, accounting for over 60% of U.S. production
Catfish farming in the U.S. increased by 4.3% in 2022 compared to the previous year
The main species farmed for commercial catfish production is the North American catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)
Catfish farming is considered a sustainable aquaculture practice due to its low environmental impact
Over 30,000 people are employed directly or indirectly in the U.S. catfish industry
The average weight of farmed catfish at harvest is approximately 1.5 pounds
Catfish can live in various freshwater environments including ponds, lakes, and reservoirs
The global demand for catfish is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2022 to 2030
In the United States, catfish consumption per capita was about 2.2 pounds in 2021
The primary countries exporting catfish to the U.S. are Vietnam, China, and Cambodia
Fish processing facilities for catfish are mostly concentrated in the southern United States, especially Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas
The feed conversion ratio (FCR) for farmed catfish is approximately 1.5:1, meaning 1.5 pounds of feed produce 1 pound of fish

Discover how the booming $8.4 billion global catfish industry, led by Alabama’s 60% US production and driven by sustainable farming practices, is transforming aquaculture and satisfying growing consumer demand worldwide.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Catfish farming is considered a sustainable aquaculture practice due to its low environmental impact
Catfish farming produces less greenhouse gas emissions per kilogram than many land-based sources of animal protein
Seafood watchdog groups have raised concerns about the environmental practices in some catfish farming operations, leading to industry reforms
The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) has certification standards for responsible catfish farming, promoting sustainability
Researchers are exploring the use of alternative feeds like insect meal and plant-based proteins for sustainable catfish aquaculture
The main challenges facing the industry include disease management, water quality issues, and competition from imported products
The majority of farmed catfish in the U.S. are produced with a focus on minimal environmental impact, supported by federal and state regulations
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides financial assistance and grants to support sustainable aquaculture practices, including catfish farming
The use of green and renewable energy sources in catfish farming operations is increasing to meet sustainability goals
The majority of American consumers prefer to buy locally farmed catfish, supporting regional economies and reducing carbon footprint
The International Standard for responsible aquaculture practices includes criteria specific to catfish farming, ensuring environmental and social responsibility
The environmental footprint of farmed catfish is significantly lower compared to many terrestrial livestock, due to efficient feed conversion and low land use
Climate change poses a risk to freshwater aquaculture, including catfish farms, through altered water temperatures and availability

Environmental Impact and Sustainability Interpretation

Despite its reputation as a sustainable and low-impact aquaculture mainstay in the U.S., catfish farming continues to navigate the fishy waters of industry reforms, environmental challenges, and climate change, all while striving to prove that farm-raised fish can be as green as it is delicious.

Industry Growth and Trends

Catfish farming in the U.S. increased by 4.3% in 2022 compared to the previous year
The global demand for catfish is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2022 to 2030
The most common method of feeding farmed catfish is with pelleted feed designed specifically for catfish
The use of antibiotics in commercial catfish farming is minimal and regulated to ensure food safety
The U.S. catfish industry has invested heavily in biotechnology to improve disease resistance and growth rates
The export value of Vietnamese catfish to the United States has increased by over 15% annually over the last five years
The global market for processed catfish products, such as fillets and fish sticks, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% through 2030
The nutritional profile of catfish makes it a popular choice for health-conscious consumers seeking lean protein options
The trend toward organic and sustainably farmed catfish is increasing, driven by consumer demand for environmentally friendly products
The World Bank advocates for aquaculture as a means to enhance global food security, including sustainable catfish farming
Catfish aquaculture is increasingly adopting recirculating systems to improve sustainability and reduce water usage
The genetic improvement programs in catfish breeding aim to enhance growth rate, disease resistance, and feed efficiency
The global trend towards plant-based diets has led to increased interest in alternative protein sources to fish, affecting aquatic food markets including catfish
In recent years, the use of automation and robotic systems has increased in catfish processing plants to improve efficiency
The nutritional labeling of farmed catfish in the U.S. is regulated by the FDA to ensure transparency and consumer awareness
The farmed catfish industry has experienced consolidation, with larger integrated companies purchasing smaller farms to enhance supply chain efficiency
Innovations in vaccine development are aiding in disease prevention in catfish aquaculture, reducing losses
The growth rate of farmed catfish can be accelerated through optimized feeding regimes and water temperature management
The adoption of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems is being explored to diversify and enhance sustainability in catfish farming
Data shows that young farmers are increasingly entering the catfish industry as a profitable venture, reversing some decline trends
The farmed catfish sector has developed traceability systems using blockchain technology to enhance food safety and consumer confidence

Industry Growth and Trends Interpretation

As the U.S. catfish industry shifts toward biotech-driven sustainability and global markets boost demand, aquaculture is increasingly turning fishy—yet responsibly so—proving that even a humble catfish can swim confidently in the high-tech, health-conscious waters of the 21st century.

Market Size and Economic Value

The global catfish market was valued at approximately $8.4 billion in 2021
Over 30,000 people are employed directly or indirectly in the U.S. catfish industry
The average weight of farmed catfish at harvest is approximately 1.5 pounds
In the United States, catfish consumption per capita was about 2.2 pounds in 2021
The global aquaculture production of catfish exceeds 2 million metric tons annually
The majority of farmed catfish are harvested between 16 and 24 months
About 75% of the U.S. domestic catfish produced is sold fresh, with the remaining sold as frozen or processed products
The American Catfish industry contributes approximately $2 billion annually to the U.S. economy
The production of farmed catfish in Vietnam is estimated to surpass 1 million metric tons annually, making it the largest exporter to the U.S.
The economic impact of the U.S. catfish industry includes supporting numerous small family farms, many of which have been in operation for over 20 years
The U.S. imports over 200 million pounds of catfish annually, mostly from Vietnam and other Asian countries
The price of farmed catfish fillets in the U.S. averages around $7.50 per pound, varying by quality and region
The United States is the second-largest importer of catfish globally, after China, primarily sourcing from Southeast Asia

Market Size and Economic Value Interpretation

Despite being a modest 1.5-pound harvest on average, catfish's $8.4 billion global market and $2 billion U.S. economic contribution highlight how this "bottom-feeder" fish truly supports a sizable industry, millions of livelihoods, and a complex web of imports and exports—reminding us that in the world of aquaculture, even the simplest fish can have a substantial economic bite.

Regional Production and Leading States

Alabama is the leading catfish-producing state in the United States, accounting for over 60% of U.S. production
The primary countries exporting catfish to the U.S. are Vietnam, China, and Cambodia
Fish processing facilities for catfish are mostly concentrated in the southern United States, especially Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas
The top 10 global countries producing catfish contribute over 80% of the world's catfish output
The average farm size for catfish ponds in the U.S. is around 15 acres
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the majority of catfish farms are located in rural counties within Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas

Regional Production and Leading States Interpretation

With Alabama leading the charge, producing over 60% of U.S. catfish primarily in rural southern counties, the nation’s catfish industry is a global affair, heavily dependent on imports from Vietnam, China, and Cambodia, highlighting a fishy blend of local dominance and international reliance.

Species and Farming Practices

The main species farmed for commercial catfish production is the North American catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)
Catfish can live in various freshwater environments including ponds, lakes, and reservoirs
The feed conversion ratio (FCR) for farmed catfish is approximately 1.5:1, meaning 1.5 pounds of feed produce 1 pound of fish
The lifespan of a farmed catfish in captivity ranges from 7 to 10 years
Catfish is a rich source of protein, providing approximately 20 grams of protein per 3-ounce cooked serving
Catfish is often used in a variety of culinary dishes including fried catfish, catfish stew, and grilled catfish
The mortality rate in commercial catfish farming is generally less than 10%, due to controlled environments and health management
The color of farmed catfish flesh is typically white or off-white, which is favored by consumers in the U.S.
The main health benefits of eating catfish include high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, though the omega-3 levels are lower than oily fish like salmon
The dietary requirement for fish feed includes essential amino acids, lipids, vitamins, and minerals tailored for catfish growth
The majority of farmed catfish in the U.S. are raised in controlled pond systems with aeration to maintain oxygen levels
Catfish’s ability to thrive in warm freshwater environments makes it suitable for aquaculture in tropical and subtropical regions
Fishery management practices include strict monitoring of water quality, temperature, and feed to ensure healthy growth of farmed catfish
Catfish has a mild flavor and a flaky texture, making it versatile for various cooking styles worldwide
The quality control and food safety protocols for farmed catfish include strict pathogen testing and HACCP compliance
The average lifespan of a farmed catfish can be extended with proper care and optimal conditions, sometimes exceeding 10 years in captivity
The resilience of catfish populations has improved through selective breeding programs, leading to higher yields and better disease resistance
The fiber content in catfish fillets is low, making it suitable for low-fat diets, with approximately 2 grams of fat per 100 grams of fish

Species and Farming Practices Interpretation

Farmed North American catfish, thriving in diverse freshwater habitats with efficient feed conversion and low mortality, provide a versatile, protein-rich, low-fat option that’s carefully managed for quality and safety—proving that even a humble fish can be a serious player on the global plate.