Light is one of the primary environmental factor which has an important impact on the growth, development, metabolism and morphology of fish. In order to analyze the effect of light intensity on the growth and physiological performance of Pelteobagrus fulvidraco, this study recorded the growth and physiological performance of P. fulvidraco within a range o light intensity (1-8 W/m²) by light control experiments. According to the results, P. fulvidraco in the groups (light intensity of 3-6 W/m²) had highest weight gain rate (8.33%-11.78%), specific growth rate (0.53-0.74 %/d), and lowest feed coefficient (6.42-9.17). Pepsin and lipase activities in P. fulvidraco increased, indicating improved the digestive performance. While the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and acid phosphatase (ACP) decreased, showing that antioxidation and immune performance were inhibited. Affected by fish metabolism, there were differences in water quality factors such as ammonia nitrogen and dissolved oxygen in aquaculture water under different light intensities. This study showed that light intensity within 3-6 W/m² could promote the growth and digestive performance of P. fulvidraco, and provides a theoretical basis for efficient culture of P. fulvidraco.