Harvesting and Processing Zooplankton for Use as Supplemental Channel Catfish Fry Feed

Abstract

We present the methods that we used to capture and dry large zooplankton from ponds to feed to channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus fry. Using a submersible pump and canister filter, we were able to capture about 1.0 kg (wet weight; 200 g in terms of dry weight) of zooplankton from well-fertilized ponds over 24-h trapping periods. This was a practical method for obtaining the large zooplankton that catfish fry prefer. Fish culturists may be able to use this method to harvest zooplankton throughout the year and store dried zooplankton for the hatchery season. The drying process may also be useful for processing and storing small zooplankton for the culture of other species of fish. The cost was about US$200 for the submersible pump, $200 for the canister and filter, and $40 for the food dehydrator.