Two populations of channel catfish (lctalurus punctatus) with different histories of domestication-Marion (Alabama) and Kansas-were grown in earthen ponds at 7,500/ha. The largest 10% of each population were selected when population mean weights were 500 g. The reproductive performance of these selects was compared to that of brood from random control populations. Data were analyzed for each strain then pooled and re-analyzed. No differences were found in spawning day, spawning rate, hatchability of eggs and survival of sac fry. Fecundity (eggs deposited) was increased (P < 0.05) in the pooled select brood fish. Fingerling output was also higher for selects (P < 0.05) in the Marion and pooled populations, but lower (P < 0.05) in the Kansas select population. Fecundity, sac fry survival, and fry survival had the largest effects on fingerling output. Selecting for growth rate did not decrease the reproductive performance (fingerling output) in channel catfish, and some improvement in reproductive performance was evident.
