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This study aimed to determine the optimal live feed regime (i.e., initial feeding moment, density, and frequency) for maximum growth and survival of pangasius catfish (<i>Pangasianodon hypophthalmus</i>) early life history stages. The first experiment assessed the optimal initial feeding moment (30, 36, 42, and 48 h post hatching, hph). The second experiment assessed feeding density (3, 5, 8 and 11 individuals per mL, ind/mL) at the optimal initial feeding moment (30 hph) which was the best result from the first experiment. The third experiment assessed optimal feeding frequency (1, 2, 4, and 6 times per day) at the optimal initial feeding moment (30 hph) and density (8 ind/mL) which was drawn upon from the second experiment. All experiments were conducted in 20 L containers containing 20 hph <i>P.</i> <i>hypophthalmus</i> larvae at a density of 10 ind/L and fed rotifers (<i>Brachionus angularis</i>) for 3 days and then water fleas (<i>Moina macrocopa</i>) for 7 days. The first experiment demonstrated that larvae initially fed at 30 hph exhibited a significantly higher survival rate (24%) than larvae initially fed at 36, 42, and 48 hph (19%, 16%, and 16%), respectively. The second experiment demonstrated that larvae fed at 8 and 11 ind/mL densities exhibited significantly higher survival rates (32% and 32%) than larvae fed at 3 and 5 ind/mL densities (13% and 23%), respectively. The third experiment demonstrated that the highest survival rate (66%) was obtained when larvae were fed 6 times per day. These results provide valuable insights regarding the optimal live feed regime for better growth and survival of <i>P.</i> <i>hypophthalmus</i> larvae, which are commercially important and numerously cultured throughout the Mekong Delta region.