Pangasius (Basa) Fish Farming: Cost, Profit, Global Market, Nutrition & Complete Aquaculture Guide

Introduction

Pangasius — commonly known as Basa Fish — is one of the world’s fastest-growing aquaculture species. Originally from Vietnam’s Mekong River, Pangasius is now farmed across Asia due to its rapid growth, low feed cost, and extremely high export demand.

Vietnam alone exports Pangasius worth $2 billion annually, especially to the USA, Europe, China, the Middle East, and India.

Pangasius farming requires low investment and yields high profits, making it ideal for both large-scale and small-scale farmers.

What is Pangasius / Basa Fish?

Scientific Name: Pangasius bocourti

Family: Pangasiidae

Common Names: Basa, Swai, River Catfish, Sutchi Catfish

Type: Freshwater / semi-brackish

Growth Rate: Extremely fast

Market Category: White Fillet Premium Export Fish

Pangasius fillets are used in hotels, restaurants, fast-food chains, and global seafood industries.

Global Demand & Importance

Pangasius is one of the top 5 most consumed fishes in the world because:

Soft white meat
Mild flavor
Affordable price
Easy storage & shipping
High protein, low fat
Export-friendly
Long fillets yield (55–60%)

Top consumers include:

USA

Europe

Middle East

India

China

Japan

Canada

Climate & Water Requirements

ParameterRequirementTemperature26–33°CWater TypeFreshwater / brackishpH Level6.8–7.8Oxygen3–5 mg/LDepth1.5–3 meters

Pangasius can tolerate low oxygen (unlike Rohu/Catla), which makes it ideal for high-density farming.

Farming Systems

Pond Culture

Most common and cost-effective.

Cage Culture

High-density production in rivers or reservoirs.

RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture System)

Premium export quality, clean environment.

Biofloc Culture

High stocking density and maximum yield.

Pond / Cage / RAS Setup

Pond Setup

Area: minimum 0.5–1 acre

Depth: 1.5–2.5m

Semi-circular inlet & outlet

Aerators recommended

Cage Setup

Size: 6×4×4m

Materials: HDPE nets

Capacity: 1000–3000 fish per cage

RAS Setup

Biofilter + mechanical filters

Controlled feeding

Very fast growth

Seed (Fingerlings) Management

Fingerling size: 2–3 inches

Stocking density (pond): 15,000–20,000 per acre

Survival rate: 85–90%

Certified hatchery only

No deformities or stress

Feeding Management

Feed Protein: 25–30%
Feeding Frequency: 2–3 times per day
Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR): 1.6–1.8 kg feed 1 kg fish

Pangasius grows extremely fast due to low FCR.

Health & Disease Control

Common diseases:

Columnaris

Gill rot

Parasitic worms

Fungal infection

Prevention:
Maintain oxygen
Avoid overfeeding
Pond liming
Regular net cleaning
Stock from healthy hatcheries

Water Quality Management

Weekly water check

pH control with lime

Increase dissolved oxygen using aerators

Remove sludge monthly

Cost of Farming (1 Acre)

ExpenseINRUSDPond preparation₹40,000$480Fingerlings₹30,000$360Feed₹2,50,000$3,000Labour₹50,000$600Electricity & aerators₹35,000$420Miscellaneous₹25,000$300Total Cost₹4,30,000$5,160

Global Market Prices (USD)

CountryPrice (USD/kg)USA$3.5 – $6Europe (EU)$2.8 – $5.5Middle East$3 – $5India$1.5 – $2.8China$2 – $4Vietnam Export$2 – $3.2

Fillet price is HIGHER: $6–$12 per kg

Profitability Analysis (1 Acre)

Harvest: 12–15 tons per acre

Revenue (INR): ₹18–25 lakh

Revenue (USD): $22,000 – $30,000

Net Profit: ₹12–17 lakh

Profit Margin: 50–60%

Pangasius gives highest profit among inexpensive freshwater fishes.

Nutrition Value (per 100g)

Calories: 92

Protein: 18.5g

Fat: 2.2g

Omega-3: 120 mg

Vitamin B12: 25% RDA

Calcium: 10 mg

Iron: 1 mg

Health Benefits

Builds muscle
Boosts immunity
Heart-friendly
Supports weight loss
Easy to digest
High-quality lean protein

Medical Uses

Used in patient recovery diets

Recommended for diabetic patients

Low-fat fish for heart patients

Fish collagen used in skincare

Risks & Weaknesses

Overstocking can cause stress

Lower taste than Rohu/Catla for some consumers

Lower omega-3 than Salmon

Pollution-sensitive in hatchery stage

Recipes (Global)

Global Famous Pangasius Dishes:

Lemon Grilled Basa

Crispy Fried Basa

Basa Fish Curry

European Baked Fillets

Basa Fish Tacos (USA)

Marketing & Export

Top markets:

USA

UAE

Qatar

Saudi Arabia

China

Spain

Netherlands

Export products:
Frozen fillets
Fresh whole fish
IQF portions
Skinless boneless cuts

Business Opportunities

Pangasius hatchery

Export-oriented farming

Processing plants

Fillet production unit

Cold storage

Biofloc Pangasius systems

FAQs

Q1: Is Pangasius profitable?
Yes, highest profit (50–60%) among carp-type fishes.

Q2: How long to grow 1 kg?
6–8 months.

Q3: What is the export price?
$2–$3.2 per kg whole fish, $6–$12 per kg fillet.

Q4: Can Pangasius be farmed in biofloc?
Yes, very successful.

Q5: What is survival rate?
85–90%.

Conclusion

Pangasius fish farming is a global export-oriented business with huge profit potential. With low input cost, high-density farming capability, fast growth, and strong demand worldwide, Pangasius stands among the top aquaculture species in 2025.
It is ideal for farmers looking for large-scale, high-profit, and export-ready fish farming.

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