CHANNEL CATFISH CULTURE IN THE UNITED STATES BY Leonard Lovshin Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures Auburn University, AL 36849 Channel Catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ) Native Range Of Channel Catfish In The United States Food Habits omnivorous Preferred Habitat Reservoirs and lakes Rivers Reproductive Life History 1. Sexual maturity is reached in 2 to 3 years in the southeastern U. S. 2. Spawning takes place in a cavity formed by rocks, logs or a hole in a lake or river bank. 3. Preferred spawning water temperatures: 70 to 84 F, with optimal temperature 75 to 79 F. Sexual behavior 1. Males defend a territory/cavity. 2. Female enters the cavity and spawns. 3. Males incubate eggs and defend fry. Spawning cavity 4. Males can spawn with more than one female a season. Levee ponds Hillside pond Flat pond bottom Catfish are grown in 5 to 25 acre earthen ponds with flat bottoms and drain pipes. Catfish ponds are filled with either: Filtered surface Well water water or rainfall Spawning in captivity: Stock adults 3 to 8 years old male female