How long do catfish carry their babies?

The gestation period varies among catfish species, ranging from a few weeks to several months. Male catfish will typically build a nest, clean the area, and prepare it for the eggs. Once the eggs are laid, the male will guard and oxygenate them. The male catfish will take care of the eggs until they hatch and sometimes even longer, protecting the young fry until they are able to fend for themselves.