Growth performance of normally pigmented and albino channel catfish was compared in cages at Min Qing Reservoir in Fujian Province. Catfish were cultured in floating cages using the ASA LVHD cage technology model and a soymeal-based, 32% protein floating feed. Normally pigmented and albino channel catfish were stocked in six, 1-m3 cages at a density of 400 fish/m3. Each treatment was replicated in three cages. Normally pigmented channel catfish grew from 83 g to 494 g in 142 days of feeding. Albino catfish grew from 83 g to 392 g in the same period. FCR was 1.56:1 for the normal catfish and 1.67:1 for the albino catfish. Gross production and survival averaged 193.8 kg/m3 and 90.4% for the normal catfish, and 148.8 kg/ m3 and 91.5% for the albino catfish. Fish growth, survival and production per m3 were significantly higher (P<0.05) for the normally pigmented catfish group, but there was no significant difference in FCR (P>0.05) for the two groups. Average net economic return and ROI for the normal catfish were RMB 1,384/m3 and 72.4%, respectively. Average net economic return and ROI for the albino catfish were RMB 1,309/m3 and 70.8%. Net return and ROI were significantly different (P<0.05). Normally pigmented catfish yielded a higher net return and ROI than albino catfish, despite albino catfish having a 29% higher market value. Results of this trial were opposite of U.S. studies that found no production differences between normally pigmented and albino channel catfish, and indicate there is probably significant inbreeding in the albino catfish stock tested in this trial.