Temperature Selection by Flathead Catfish in a West Texas Reservoir
Ultrasonic telemetry was used to determine seasonal temperature selection by adult flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) in a 93-ha reservoir in west Texas, Buffalo Springs Lake. We implanted temperature-sensing ultrasonic transmitters in 29 flathead catfish and monitored them from June 1993 through June 1995. During the summer months, flathead catfish were found in the warmest lake waters (24.5-31.5 C) even though cooler well-oxygenated water was available. As lake temperatures decreased in fall and winter, flathead catfish were located in the warmest available water. Coldwater habitats...
