Evaluation of Reproductive Characters for Four Strains of Channel Catfish

Two wild and two domestic strains of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus demonstrated different spawning periods among strains. This character may be under genetic control. Egg hatchability was variable and did not differ significantly among strains or strain crosses. Deformed fry occurred in all spawns, but (with one exception) their frequency did not differ significantly among strains or crosses, and may have been due to environmental factors. Female broodfish weight was positively correlated with total weight and number of eggs of the spawn, but negatively correlated with average egg weight. Egg size was not correlated with hatchability or percent deformed fry.