Growth of Channel Catfish and Striped Bass in Small Ponds Stocked with Grass Carp and Water Hyacinths

Abstract

Stocking of four and eight grass carp/0.04-hectare pond reduced the average weights of individual water hyacinths, and the standing crops of water hyacinth were lower in grass carp ponds than in control ponds. Grass carp stocked at 16/0.04-hectare pond eliminated water hyacinths within 30 days after the fish were stocked. Channel catfish and striped bass growth and production seemed to be adversely affected by the presence of water hyacinths, but not by the presence of grass carp.