1 Industry development

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the biology and culture of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus—the most important aquaculture species in the United States. The channel catfish is a member of the family Ictaluridae—the North American catfishes—which comprises seven genera and at least 45 species. The blue catfish Ictalurus furcatus is a close relative of channel catfish and has considerable potential for exploitation as a farmed species in its own right. The main interest in blue catfish, however, stems from its potential contribution to the genotype of hybrids with channel catfish. Blue catfish generally resemble channel catfish, although blue catfish have a smaller head and a longer, less rounded anal fin. Blue catfish grow slower than channel catfish during the first two years of life under culture conditions, although strain effects are important and some strains of blue catfish grow faster than many strains of channel catfish. Many are fine table fish, but the channel catfish accounts for virtually all of the commercial food-fish production in the United States. The chapter also provides a brief summary of other ictalurid catfishes that have been considered for aquaculture from time to time. The prominent role of research is emphasized as a factor contributing to successful industry development.