It is my understanding that they can be a first class predator after they reach a couple of pounds. The only problem is that recruitment is so low. Baby catfish swim slowly in a big school. Virtually none make it to breeding size due to sumfish predation when small then larger fish predation before they reach maturity. Restocking catfish in a pond means buying 10 to 12 inch fish in lieu of 4 to 6 inch for initial pond stocking.
