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Ribogospod. nauka Ukr., 2026; 1(75): 210-240
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61976/fsu2026.01.210
UDC 639.3.043.13:597.554.3

Received: 31.10.2025
Received in revised form: 16.02.2026
Published: 31.03.2026

Modern approaches to cultivation of European catfish (Silurus glanis Linnaeus, 1758) (a review)

Р. Pukalo, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , ORCID ID 0000-0001-8488-0655, Stepan Gzhytskyi National University of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnologies, Lviv
V. Bozhyk, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , ORCID ID 0000-0003-3354-8470, Stepan Gzhytskyi National University of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnologies, Lviv

Purpose. To conduct a systematic review of domestic and foreign scientific publications of the last decade to summarize modern technological approaches to the cultivation of European catfish in pond farms. Analyze the biological characteristics of the species, technological solutions, feeding systems, innovative intensification methods (probiotics, biofloc technology, alternative feed ingredients, digital monitoring) and identify areas for increasing the economic efficiency and environmental sustainability of domestic aquaculture.

Findings. A comprehensive review of current scientific publications is presented, highlighting modern approaches to the cultivation of European catfish in pond farms, which directly contribute to increasing the efficiency of commercial production in freshwater aquaculture. Information from literature sources on the biological characteristics of the species, technological parameters of cultivation, feeding and nutrition systems, water quality control, biosafety and ecological stability is summarized. Modern technologies for increasing pond productivity were analyzed, including the use of probiotics and prebiotics, the introduction of biofloc technology, the use of alternative protein and lipid sources in feeds, as well as digital tools for monitoring environmental parameters and feeding automation. The prospects of integrating environmentally safe and resource-efficient solutions focused on the sustainable development of pond fish farming in Ukraine and the countries of the European Union were noted.

Practical Value. The results of the generalization of literature sources are of practical importance for scientists, teachers, postgraduates, students and fisheries specialists working in the field of freshwater aquaculture. The review materials can be used to optimize the technologies for growing European catfish in pond conditions, in particular for developing feeding rations, improving the quality of the aquatic environment, inoculating probiotic and biofloc technologies, as well as monitoring systems and automated control of production processes.

Keywords: pond fish farming, recirculating aquaculture systems, production intensification, fish feeding, probiotics, biofloc technology, digital technologies.

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