R. V. Kilambi

Low water levels, sustained high temperatures, and potential increases in predatory pressure appear to have adversely affected the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) population of Lake Elmdale, Arkansas. An estimated population of 3,916 bass were present in 1981 compared to previous estimates of 11,770 in 1977 and 8,937 in 1979. Size overlap between 2- and 3-year-old bass is indicative of differential states of sexual maturity and associated reproductive activity during the harsh drought conditions.

A total of 275 channel catfish, measuring on the average of 21.4 mm in total length were raised in the laboratory for 120 days under controlled temperatures of 26,28, and 32 C with lO-hr and 14-hr photoperiods. Data on growth, f09d consumption, food conversion efficiency, and water quality were collected at IS-day intervals. Analysis of length-weight relationship showed that the experimental conditions had no effect on body shape. The fish under 28C-IOL had slow growth in length throughout the study period. Variations in food consumption and food conversion efficiency in IS-day...