Aquarium Studies on the Evaluation of Stocking Various Sizes of Channel Catfish with Established Largemouth Bass

Abstract

One hundred and eight tank trials involving three sizes of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), three sizes of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), and the presence or absence of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) were analyzed for predation attempts and prey preference using a three-level nested ANOVA. This test showed a significantly lower (P < 0.05) predation rate by largemouth bass on the catfish when fathead minnows were present as compared to catfish alone. Predation rates of bass on catfish were not significantly affected by the three sizes of bass nor by the three sizes of catfish. Although direct pond stocking conclusions cannot be reached from these aquarium experiments, helpful information was gained regarding the stocking of channel catfish in confined largemouth bass populations with limited habitat structure. Based on predation rates from this study and production costs of channel catfish (as determined by a 1980-1981 mail survey of federal, state and private catfish farmers), it is probably most cost-efficient to stock channel catfish at a size of 150 mm when stocking ponds containing established populations of largemouth bass and forage species.