An automatic fish feed machine is a fully automated extrusion system designed for continuous production of high-quality floating and sinking fish feed pellets. It combines advanced extrusion technology with PLC automation to deliver consistent, uniform pellets with minimal labor. It is ideal for commercial fish farms, feed mills, and aquaculture operations.
| Feature | Floating Pellets | Sinking Pellets |
|---|---|---|
| Buoyancy | Float on water surface for 12–24 hours | Sink to the bottom immediately |
| Best for | Tilapia, catfish, trout, surface feeders | Shrimp, crabs, bottom feeders |
| Digestion | High gelatinization (90%+), easy digestion | Good gelatinization, slower release |
| Feed monitoring | Farmers can see feeding activity | Less visible, suited for bottom dwellers |
Raw materials are ground into fine powder (under 0.5mm) and mixed with steam and water inside the machine. The twin-screw extrusion system cooks the starch at high temperature and pressure. When the cooked dough exits through the die, it expands. For floating pellets, expansion creates air pockets that keep them on the surface. For sinking pellets, less expansion makes them dense and heavy. The entire process is controlled by a PLC control system with a touch screen interface, allowing one operator to manage multiple machines.
Fully automatic operation – PLC control, touch screen interface, minimal labor required
Dual production modes – produces both floating and sinking pellets with the same machine
Adjustable pellet size – change the die to produce 0.5mm to 15mm pellets
High water stability – pellets stay intact in water for 2–4 hours, reducing waste
Stainless steel construction – food-grade, rust-resistant, easy to clean
High gelatinization – 90%+ starch cooking, easy for fish to digest
Continuous operation – can run 24/7 with minimal breaks for maintenance
Energy efficient – optimized screw design reduces power consumption

| Species | Pellet Type | Typical Pellet Size |
|---|---|---|
| Tilapia | Floating | 2–6 mm |
| Catfish | Floating / Sinking | 3–8 mm |
| Shrimp | Sinking | 1–3 mm |
| Trout | Floating | 3–6 mm |
| Carp | Floating / Sinking | 2–5 mm |
| Ornamental fish | Floating | 0.5–3 mm |
A full production line typically includes:
Hammer mill – grinds raw materials into fine powder
Mixer – blends ingredients evenly
Automatic fish feed extruder – produces floating or sinking pellets
Dryer – removes moisture from pellets
Oil sprayer – adds fat or oil for nutrition
Cooler – brings pellets to room temperature
Packing scale – bags the final product
Floating or sinking? Floating requires an extruder with steam conditioning.
Capacity – small farm: 50–200 kg/h; commercial: 500–2000 kg/h.
Pellet size – fry need 0.5–1mm; adult fish need 4–10mm.
Automation level – semi-auto for small farms; fully automatic for commercial operations.
Power source – electric motor is standard; diesel available for remote areas.
Budget – small models start around $5,000–8,000; commercial lines $20,000–50,000+.

Save money – produce your own feed at 30–50% lower cost than buying commercial feed
Control quality – choose exactly what goes into your fish feed
Reduce waste – floating pellets let you see how much fish eat
Fresh feed – produce on demand, no long storage
Labor saving – one operator can manage the entire production line
Clean the die and screw after each use to prevent blockage
Check cutter blades regularly – sharp blades make uniform pellets
Lubricate gearbox every 500 hours of operation
Use only dry, clean ingredients (moisture 20–30% for wet extrusion)
Calibrate sensors and check electrical connections monthly
An automatic fish feed machine turns local ingredients into high-value aquafeed with minimal labor and maximum efficiency. Whether you run a small farm or a commercial feed mill, there is a model that fits your needs. Fully automated, built to last.