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Abstract
A study was conducted to determine the effects of grading and removal of marketable-size fish (0.34 kg) on production of channel catfish, Ictaluras punctatus, in 8-m3 cages. Two stocking densities of 250 and 500 fish/m3, with and without grading, were used for the 215-day study. No significant differences (P > 0.05) in fish production were observed between the stocking densities. Periodic grading significantly impacted (P < 0.05) average weight and feed conversion in the low density treatments. Average weight for the non-graded and graded treatments were 308 g and 272 g, respectively. Feed conversion values were 2.64 and 1.61 for the non-graded and graded treatments, respectively. Grading significantly decreased the fish length differential at harvest within both stocking density treatments. The observed benefits of improved feed conversion, reduced fish size differential, and increase in marketing opportunities from periodic grading of catfish raised in cages may be an important management practice for farmers.