Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) fingerlings were maintained in 20-gallon glass aquaria at 18, 22, 26, 30 and 34 C. Duplicate groups at each temperature were fed 2, 4, and 6% of their biomass daily. After 12 weeks sample fish from each group were sacrificed and analyzed for total body lipid content and fatty acid composition. Highest gains and the best food conversion ratios were achieved at 30 C. Substantial gains were noted at 26 and 34 C with lesser growth at 18 and 22 C. At all temperatures a feeding rate of 4% of biomass daily was sufficient for rapid growth. An increase in environmental temperature from 18 to 34 C resulted in a near linear increase in lipid content from 23.8 to 43.6% of whole carcass. Arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acid levels increased with decreasing temperatures.
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Andrews et al. (1972) studied this question.