Growth of Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus, in Southern Brazil

Abstract

Despite successful introduction o f channel catfish into Brazil in 1980, no studies have been conducted to assess the performance o f channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, farming in southernBrazil. Fingerlings (27.Of 2.2 g) were stocked in sixteen 16-m2 tanks with cement walls and earthen bottoms. Four stocking densities were used: 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, and 1.25 fish/m2. Fish were fed a diet containing 32% protein according to a feeding chart for 257 days (from April to December). Water temperature ranged from 16.4OC to 30°C during the study. Final average weight (727.1 f 70.6 g) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) for fish raised at 0.5 fish/m2. Food conversion ratio (FCRJ was significantly higher (P < 0.05) for fish stocked at 1.25 fish/ m-.Survival averaged 95.4%, and no significant differences (P > 0.05) were found among treatments. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in tank production among the densities of 0.75, 1.0, and 1.25 fish/m2, but they were higher (P < 0.05) than the density of 0.5 fish/ m' . These results demonstrate the viability of channel catfish growth in southern Brazil. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworllz Dociirnent Delivery Service: 1-800-342-9678. E-mail address: geti~~fojo@haworthpressinc.co~ll]