Growth of Four Strains of Channel Catfish in Communal Ponds

Growth studies of channel catfish (Icatalurus punctatus) from 2 domestic and 2 wild strains were conducted in ponds. Growth rate, percent survival and size variability were evaluated. Domestic strains had higher growth rates than wild strains. There were no significant differences among strains for survival. Initial variations at stocking in length and weight among strains (as a function of time of spawning) were reduced during the growing season.