Economic Analysis of Clarias Culture in Thailand

Abstract

The growing demand for dietary fish, a least cost staple for the Thai people in comparison with other sources of animal protein, has incited a surge in fish farming in Thailand. The expansion of fish culture was supported by the improvement of irrigation system that provided perennial water of paddy land in the Central Region. The species commonly cultured are catfish (Clarias sPP.) stripped catfish (Pangasius striatus), sepat siam (Trichogaster pectoralis), snakehwad fish (Ophiocephalus striatius), carps, tilapia and giant prawn (Macro-brachium rosenbergii). Among these species, the walking catfish, Clarias batrachus, has been particularly popular because the culture technology is established, high densities in circumstances where limited water quality and quantity prevent the raising of other species, the crop turn-over time is relatively short as compare to other fishes and the opportunity for profitable return is high if properly managed.