Although some people operate hatcheries on their farms
and produce fingerlings for stocking into their food fish production ponds, most farmers buy fingerlings. Catfish hatcheries can be simple to complex in their design. The design and intensity of production depend upon the market and objectives of the operation. Fingerling markets may include food-fish producers, recreational fishing and home-use production. A potential fingerling producer should study the market to avoid economic losses because of insufficient demand.