expert needed

Question
Hello,
I'm doing a science fair project on aquaponics and have been having some trouble feeding my blue channel catfish. Do you have advice on the best food for this fish? Thanks for your time.
Joey

Answer
Hi Joey,

I don't know much about these catfish, but what I found out from a superficial internet search was that blue catfish is the standard name, assuming that what you are raising is Ictalurus furcatus:
http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/species.php?species_id=261

In that case you will have to feed live fish and live frogs, mollusks, and that sort of thing. Carnivores can be trained to eat dead prey, but this catfish is unlikely to eat pellets or flakes, and is unlikely to eat during the day since it is a nocturnal feeder.

If you cannot find enough live prey, I would try chopped up mussels or clams from a can (the brand Bar Harbor is all natural), and fresh shrimp and squid from the seafood department. Live earthworms might work too. Make sure you give this fish plenty of room, the tank or container you are keeping a juvenile in shouldn't be smaller than 50 gallons...use a Rubbermaid bin if you don't have a tank big enough.

Also try doing Google searches such as:
feeding blue catfish
feeding ictalurus furcatus

I hope that helps, take care.
Nicole