Pellet sizes for aqua feed: Why the right size matters
Young fish have the fastest growth rates and therefore require high-protein, highly digestible diets. They also need to be fed frequently to unlock their full growth potential. As fish grow larger, their protein requirements gradually decrease, feeding frequency can be reduced, and pellet size should increase to match their growing mouths and feeding capacity.
Why is pellet size important?
Pellet size directly impacts growth, feeding efficiency, and production costs. Fish must be able to consume enough nutrients with the least amount of effort. Larger pellets, provided they still fit comfortably in the fish’s mouth, allow fish to reach nutritional fulfilment more quickly, conserving energy for growth instead of feeding effort.
However, if pellets are too large, they may not fit into the fish’s mouth or can even become a choking hazard. Striking the right balance is key. Larger pellets also offer a production benefit: they are generally cheaper to manufacture compared to smaller pellets.
In short, the right pellet size ensures:
- Efficient nutrient intake.
- Faster growth with less energy wasted.
- Reduced feed costs through optimized pellet production.
Common pellet sizes and their use
Different fish species and life stages require specific pellet sizes. Using the correct pellet size ensures proper consumption and minimizes feed waste.
Tilapia pellet sizes:
- Starter feed: <0.5 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm.
- Grower feed: 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm.
- Broodstock feed: 3 mm.
African catfish pellet sizes:
- Starter feed: <0.5 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm.
- Grower feed: 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm.
- Broodstock feed: 8 mm.
Smaller pellet sizes are often available as extruded micro-pellets or crumbles. Crumbles are particularly useful because they cover a size range (e.g. 0.5–0.8 mm), allowing fingerlings of different growth rates to feed effectively. However, since crumbles often sink, farmers must adjust feeding strategies to prevent waste and ensure proper distribution.
Consistency in quality matters
Beyond the right pellet size, feed quality plays a crucial role in performance. Key parameters include:
- Floatability: Floating pellets make it easier to monitor feeding and avoid waste.
- Pellet hardness: Pellets should be firm enough to avoid breaking into fines, but not so hard that fish struggle to consume them.
- Water stability: Pellets should remain intact until eaten, without disintegrating or leaching nutrients into the water.
- Size consistency: If you buy 4 mm pellets, they should not deviate by more than 5% from this size. Consistency ensures predictable feeding behaviour and efficient growth.
Technology and customization
Modern aqua feed production technology makes it possible to precisely control pellet size, shape, and texture. This level of customization allows feed manufacturers to tailor diets to the specific needs of different fish species and life stages.
Our upcoming aqua feed factory will use advanced extrusion technology to deliver pellets with consistent quality, ensuring both optimal performance on farms and efficient production.
