Catfish Ponds Research Articles

Daytime variations in temperature, dissolved oxygen and ph in brood catfish ponds.

Daytime variations in temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration and pH were investigated at 3-hourly intervals from 6a.m. to 6 p.m. January had the lowest temperature values, while at noon; September and January had the lowest air and pond water temperature values respectively.Dissolved oxygen increase from 6a.m., to 6p.m., with peak values during the 3p.m. readings. ANOVA showed no significant difference in pH values at the various times of the day (p≥ 0.05), while the t-test showed no significant difference in a seasonal pH values (p ≥0.05). Keywords: Daytime, temperature, D0, pH, Ponds AJAZEB Vol. 6 2004: pp. 71-75

Effects of Roost Shooting on Double-Crested Cormorant Use of Catfish Ponds Preliminary Results

Author(s): Taylor, Jimmy; Strickland, Bronson | Abstract: Double-crested cormorants commonly depredate channel catfish at aquaculture facilities in the southeastern U.S., causing significant economic loss. Prior research has demonstrated regional night-roost harassment (i.e., “major pushes”) to be an effective technique to temporarily reduce cormorant use on aquaculture ponds; however, these efforts were extremely labor intensive and changes in impacts were difficult to quantify. We conducted a preliminary study to investigate the efficacy of site-specific, night-roost dispersal (n = 6) using lethal control on cormorant abundance by monitoring the number of birds at randomly selected aquaculture facilities for 3 days prior to and following night-roost dispersals. The effect of dispersal varied greatly by study site. At one site, the mean abundance of cormorants on catfish production ponds decreased following dispersal; however, on the other 5 sites the mean abundance of cormorants did not change on catfish production ponds following night-roost dispersal. We recommend further research to evaluate the effectiveness of night-roost dispersal using lethal control. Furthermore, we offer recommendations for the design of future large-scale studies, which include improvements to reduce large variation.

Preliminary Pond Evaluation of a Natural‐Based Algicide for Managing Musty Off‐Flavor in Channel Catfish Aquaculture

AbstractEnvironmentally derived “off‐flavors” such as “earthy” and “musty” in cultured channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus are attributed to the presence of certain species of cyanobacteria (blue‐green algae) in ponds. The musty off‐flavor is caused by absorption of the metabolite 2‐methylisoborneol (MIB) into channel catfish flesh. Most channel catfish producers manage off‐flavor episodes by the application of algicides; however, these algicides have high environmental persistence and broad‐spectrum toxicity. Recent research has discovered several natural and natural‐based quinones that are effective and selective in reducing the abundance of the MIB‐producing cyanobacterium Planktothrix perornata. In this study, efficacy testing of one of these quinones, anthraquinone‐59, in a channel catfish pond found that it is effective in reducing the abundance of P. perornata and subsequently lowering the MIB levels in channel catfish.

Effects of land uses on solid-phase distribution of micronutrients in selected vertisols of the Mississippi River Delta

The Mississippi River Delta (U.S.A.) is the major agricultural and aquacultural base where many crops and fishes are sensitive to micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Mn). Zinc is a common yield-limiting factor for rice and was reported to increase rice yields grown on some Delta soils. Soil/sediments in fish ponds of the Delta are drained and disposed for improving the conditions of bottoms. Bioavailability of micronutrients in soils is controlled by distribution between solution and solid-phase and further among various solid-phase compounds. The effects of land uses on distribution and bioavailability of micronutrients (Cu, Zn, Mn) in Mississippi River Delta have not been studied. The objectives of this study were to determine effects of land uses on solid-phase distribution of micronutrients (Cu, Zn, Mn) and Fe in selected vertisols of the Mississippi River Delta alluvial plain. Land uses include upland forest, rice fields and short- and long-term of catfish production. Micronutrients Cu and Zn and Fe and Mn in fresh soils were fractionated into seven operationally defined solid-phase components. Iron and Zn were mainly present in the stable residual fraction (60–70% of the total Zn and 50–60% of the total Fe), Mn mainly in labile fractions (70–80% of the total Mn, including soluble plus exchangeable, carbonate bound, Mn oxide bound, and organically bound fractions), and Cu in the potentially labile fractions (40–50% of the total Cu in amorphous and crystalline Fe oxide bound fractions). Partitioning of these elements into solid-phase fractions varied with land uses. Mn, Fe and Zn in catfish pond soils were higher in labile fractions and lower in potential labile fractions than paddy and forest soils. Paddy and forest soils had higher Fe, Mn and Zn in potential labile fractions. Drying caused redistribution of metals in solid-phase components with possibably lower potential bioavailability and mobility. In conclusion, land uses strongly affect micronutrient distribution in solid-phase components in the selected vertisols of the Mississippi River Delat alluvial plain. The results of the present study may be applicable to other river delta areas of the world.

Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in channel catfish pond and holding tank water

Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus), pond and holding tank water was investigated. Water from three channel catfish ponds was inoculated with ampicillin/nalidixic acid-resistant E. coli O157:H7 transformed with a plasmid encoding for green fluorescent protein at 10 5, 10 6, and 10 7 CFU/ml. Samples were taken from surface, internal organs, and skin scrape of fish and pond water for E. coli O157:H7 enumeration on brain heart infusion (BHI) agar containing ampicillin and nalidixic acid. To determine the survival of E. coli O157:H7 in catfish holding tank water from two farmers markets, the water was inoculated with 10 7 E. coli O157:H7 CFU/ml. E. coli O157:H7 were detected by direct plating for 33 and 69 d in pond and holding tank water, respectively. A rapid decrease of the pathogen was observed in the first 2 weeks to reach 2 log CFU/ml. When E. coli O157:H7 was not recovered by direct plating, the pathogen was isolated by enrichment in TSB for approximately another 30 d from pond and holding tank water. The populations of E. coli O157:H7 found in the internal organs and skin scrape were 5.5 log and 2.5 log CFU/ml, respectively. E. coli O157:H7 from internal organs and water were recovered for at least 12 d. Results suggest that E. coli O157:H7 can survive in channel catfish pond and holding tank water and channel catfish may become a potential carrier of the pathogen.

The leachability, bioaccessibility, and speciation of Cu in the sediment of channel catfish ponds

There have been growing concerns about the environmental impact of Cu applied in the catfish pond aquaculture. In this paper, sediments taken from three commercial catfish ponds were studied for content, leachability, bioaccessibility, and speciation of sediment-bound Cu. Results showed that the Cu was concentrated in the top 10 cm of the sediments and the peak Cu concentrations ranged from the background level to about 200 mg/kg. Toxicity characteristic leaching procedure showed only 1–8% of sediment Cu was leachable while bioaccessible Cu, evaluated by physiological based extraction test, accounted for up to 40–85% of total Cu. Due to the high redox potential in the surface sediments, acid-volatile sulfide was not a significant binding phase. The sequential extraction results showed that the residual phase (forms in lattices of primary and secondary minerals) was the major Cu fraction in the first two pond sediments but carbonate-bound, Fe/Mn oxide-bound and organically bound Cu, as well as the residual fraction, seemed equally important in the third pond.

Effect of Multiple‐batch Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, Stocking Density and Feeding Rate on Water Quality, Production Characteristics, and Costs

Abstract To quantitatively define relationships among stocking densities, feeding rates, water quality, and production costs for channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, grown in multiple‐batch systems, twelve 0.1‐ha earthen ponds were stocked at 8,600, 17,300, 26,000, or 34,600 fingerlings/ha along with 2,268 kg/ha of carryover fish. Fish in all ponds were fed daily to apparent satiation using 32% protein floating feed. Temperature and dissolved oxygen in each pond were monitored twice daily; pH weekly; nitrite‐N, total ammonia nitrogen, and Secchi disk visibility every 2 wk; nitrate‐N, chlorophyll a, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and chemical oxygen demand monthly; and chloride every other month. The costs of producing channel catfish at different stocking densities were estimated. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) as a result of stocking density among treatment means of (1) gross or net yields, (2) mean weights at harvest, and (3) growth or survival of fingerlings (24–36%) and carryover fish (77–94%). Mean and maximum daily feeding rates ranged from 40 to 53 kg/ha/d and 123 to 188 kg/ha/d, respectively, and feed conversion ratios averaged 1.75. There were no differences in any feed‐related parameter as a result of density. Water quality variables showed few differences among densities at samplings and no differences when averaged across the production season. Yield of fingerlings increased as stocking density increased with significant differences between the two highest and the two lowest stocking densities. Breakeven prices were lower at the higher stocking densities as a result of the higher yield of understocked fish and similar mean individual fish weights produced at these higher stocking densities. Overall, varying stocking densities of fingerlings in multiple‐batch systems had little effect on production efficiency and water quality. Additional research on managing the population structure of carryover fish in commercial catfish ponds may be warranted.

Physical and chemical characteristics of sediments in catfish, freshwater prawn and carp ponds in Thailand

Sediment samples were collected from 42 catfish (Clarias hybrid) ponds, 40 freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) ponds and 18 carp (Puntius spp.) ponds in Thailand. Regression analysis revealed that pond age (1–30 years) was not a major factor influencing the physical and chemical composition of pond sediments. Sediment depth, F+S horizon thickness and bulk density of S horizon were greater (P<0.05) in carp ponds than in catfish and prawn ponds. This occurred because sediment was removed from catfish and prawn ponds more frequently than from carp ponds. Total carbon, organic carbon and total nitrogen concentrations were greater (P<0.05) in carp ponds than prawn and catfish ponds. Few ponds had sediment organic carbon concentrations above 3%, and carbon:nitrogen ratio values did not differ (P>0.05) among ponds for the three species. Total phosphorus and other sediment phosphorus fractions increased in the order prawn ponds, carp ponds and catfish ponds. Sediment sulphur concentrations also increased in the same order. There were no differences in major or minor nutrient concentrations in sediment that would influence aquacultural production. Although there were significant correlations (P<0.05) between various sediment quality variables, no single variable or group of variables would be useful in estimating sediment quality. Pond bottom management practices used by producers in Thailand included drying of pond bottoms between crops, liming, tilling and periodic sediment removal. These practices have maintained relatively good bottom quality. They should be continued in Thailand and adopted in other places.

Fate and Transport of Copper Applied in Channel Catfish Ponds

A pilot-scale study and field measurements at commercial ponds were conducted to investigate the environmental fate of copper (Cu) applied as an algaecide in commercial catfish ponds. In the pilot study, a total of 774 g Cu(II) was applied to an experimental catfish pond over a period of 16 summer weeks. More than 90% of Cu applied became associated with suspended sediment particles within a few minutes of addition, and then nearly all Cu applied was transferred to the sediment phase within about 2 days. At the end of the study, the peak Cu content in the sediment increased from an initial concentration of 25∼35 mg kg−1 to about 200 mg kg−1, and the applied Cu was able to reach a sediment depth of about 16 cm. Meanwhile, Cu concentration in the catfish body decreased from 12.7 ± 2.81 mg kg−1 to 6.15 ± 2.54 mg kg−1. Copper mass balance indicated that virtually all Cu applied was retained in the sediment. Only 0.01% of the total Cu applied was taken up by fish and 0.1% remained in pond water. Data from 3 commercial fishponds of different ages (1–25 years) and with different sediment types (acidic, neutral and calcareous) supported the pilot-scale observation. Both pilot-testing results and field measurements revealed that Cu is predominantly accumulated within the top sediment layer and barely reached the bottom soil regardless of the pond age and the type of the sediments. Field monitoring of groundwater quality suggested that the copper leaching into the groundwater surrounding the ponds was insignificant.

Combined use of 16S ribosomal DNA and automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis to study the bacterial community in catfish ponds

To apply culture-independent techniques to explore the bacterial community composition in catfish pond water. 16S rDNA libraries were constructed and sequenced from 15 pond water samples. Automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (ARISA) was used to fingerprint each bacterial community. A broad diversity in bacterial species composition was found by 16S rDNA analysis. Alphaproteobacteria was the most represented class in all ponds, followed by Gammaproteobacteria and Gram-positive high G + C content bacteria. Uniqueness of bacterial communities from each individual pond was confirmed by ARISA. Catfish pathogens were detected sporadically. Bacterial communities in a catfish aquaculture setting can vary from pond to pond at one given point. No correlation could be made between bacteria composition and fish strain or between bacterial profile and the presence of catfish pathogens in a particular pond. This is the first report showing the composition of bacterial communities in catfish ponds. Fish health specialists and catfish aquaculture managers should be aware of the wide differences in bacterial communities between ponds and include this variable in fish husbandry practices.

Effects of Coagulant Treatments on Aquaculture Effluent Quality

Coagulant treatments for improving the water quality of effluents from channel catfish ponds were evaluated at the Auburn University Fisheries Research Unit (FRU), Auburn, Alabama. Gypsum, alum with agricultural limestone, ferric chloride, and ferric chloride with non-ionic polymer (polyacrylamide) were utilized at application rates typically used in wastewater treatment. Samples were collected from each treatment vessel after 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours and analyzed for turbidity, total suspended solids, inorganic suspended solids, particulate organic matter, total phosphorus, soluble reactive phosphorus, total nitrogen, total ammonia nitrogen, and 5-day biochemical oxygen demand. Most measured variables were greatly reduced within 1 hour after the alum with agricultural lime treatment. Alum with agricultural limestone treatment enhanced removal of turbidity, suspended solids, and phosphorus during sedimentation of pond effluents. This treatment was greatly superior to treatments with gypsum, ferric chloride, and ferric chloride with non-ionic polymer, and was selected for evaluation in a settling pond. In the field study, the greatest benefit from alum with agricultural limestone was expressed during sedimentation for 1 or 6 hour periods in the settling pond. Reductions in concentrations of potential pollutants in other treatments were mainly attributed to settling. Alum with agricultural limestone treatment application may remove high concentrations of organic and inorganic pollutants from pond effluent. In situations where settling basins have insufficient hydraulic retention time (< 1-hour), alum and agricultural limestone application can enhance the effectiveness of settling. However, benefits were much less for a 24-hour sedimentation period. If space is available for a sedimentation basin with a 24-hour hydraulic retention time, alum with agricultural limestone treatment probably would not be necessary.

Low-density silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Valenciennes) polyculture does not prevent cyanobacterial off-flavours in channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque)

Silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Valenciennes) were co-cultured with channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque) in 0.4 ha earthen ponds to determine the impacts of carp grazing on pond phytoplankton communities and cyanobacterial off-flavours in catfish. Carp were stocked at densities of 0, 75, or 250 fish ha−1 in seven replicate ponds per treatment. The mean chlorophyll a concentrations (a measure of phytoplankton standing crop) steadily increased in all treatments from about 100 μg L−1 in April to more than 400 μg L−1 by mid-October. Silver carp had no affect (P>0.1) on chlorophyll a concentrations across all sampling dates (April though October) or for sampling dates late in the growing season (August–October) when the prevalence of cyanobacterial off-flavours among catfish populations is usually greatest. Silver carp did not eliminate odour-producing cyanobacteria from pond phytoplankton communities: on sampling dates in September and October, three to six ponds in all treatments contained populations of the odour-producing cyanobacteria Oscillatoria perornata, Anabaena spp., or both. Failure of silver carp to eliminate odour-producing cyanobacteria resulted in a relatively high incidence in all treatments of ponds with off-flavoured catfish. On sampling dates in September and October, catfish in three to five ponds in each treatment were tainted with either musty (2-methylisoborneol) or earthy (geosmin) off-flavours. The presence of silver carp had no obvious effect on off-flavour intensity: on each sampling date, at least three ponds in each treatment contained catfish described as distinctly to extremely off-flavored. Apparently, hypertrophic conditions in catfish ponds overwhelm the effect of silver carp grazing at the low carp densities used in this study.

Interactions Between the American White Pelican and Aquaculture in the Southeastern United States: an Overview

Abstract The eastern metapopulation of the American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) breeds mainly in the Northern Great Plains, migrates through the Great Plains and along the Mississippi River and winters in the lower Mississippi River Valley and along the Gulf of Mexico. The production of farm-raised Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) in the southeastern United States has increased dramatically in the last 25 years. In 1990, U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services offices in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi began receiving complaints concerning the foraging of pelicans in commercial Channel Catfish ponds. Because of the relatively shallow depth and high fish-stocking rates used by most catfish producers, these ponds provide an ideal foraging environment for the American White Pelican. Although the impact of foraging pelicans can be economically significant, the potential for pelicans to transmit trematode infections and other diseases to aquaculture facilities can be more destru...

Cyanobacteria and earthy/musty compounds found in commercial catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus) ponds in the Mississippi Delta and Mississippi–Alabama Blackland Prairie

The compounds responsible for earthy and musty “off-flavors” in farm-raised channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus) in the southeastern United States of America are geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB), respectively. These compounds are produced by certain species of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) that grow in the aquaculture ponds. Previous research has focused on the species of cyanobacteria found in catfish ponds in west Mississippi (the leading region of catfish production in the USA), while the species responsible for earthy/musty off-flavors in catfish produced in the Mississippi–Alabama Blackland Prairie (MABP) region (second greatest region of catfish production) have not been described. We examined water samples from commercial catfish ponds in both regions to contrast the different types of cyanobacteria and assess the prevalence of geosmin and MIB. Results established that filamentous cyanobacteria are more common in west Mississippi compared to the MABP region. Also, the MIB-producing cyanobacterium Oscillatoria perornata is present in catfish ponds in both geographic locations, and geosmin is more prevalent in catfish ponds in the MABP region than in west Mississippi.

Dietary Phosphorus Modifications in Practical Feeds Do Not Affect Waterborne Phosphorus Concentrations and Phytoplankton Abundance in Channel Catfish Ponds

AbstractWe measured concentrations of soluble reactive phosphorus, total phosphorus, and chlorophyll a in 0.04‐ha ponds containing channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus during three feeding trials to evaluate the effect of dietary phosphorus modifications on water quality and the potential discharge of phosphorus and organic matter in pond effluents. In experiment 1, a basal diet with 0.20% available phosphorus was compared with diets supplemented with 0.5% or 1.0% dicalcium phosphate to provide 0.27% or 0.35% available phosphorus. In experiment 2, fish were fed diets supplemented with either dicalcium phosphate or defluorinated rock phosphate to contain 0.40% available phosphorus. In experiment 3, fish were fed one of three diets containing 250 or 500 phytase units of phytase per kilogram (0.27% available phosphorus) or 0.75% dicalcium phosphate (0.39% available phosphorus). Husbandry practices in all three experiments were typical of commercial culture conditions. Quantitative and qualitative modifications of dietary phosphorus did not affect waterborne phosphorus concentrations or phytoplankton abundance and, therefore, will not reduce phosphorus or organic matter mass loading in pond effluents. Lack of effectiveness results from high baseline nutrient loading from phosphorus contained in practical feed ingredients combined with high internal phosphorus loading (recycling) within ponds. These factors overwhelm any effect of small changes in external phosphorus loading associated with diet modification. Therefore, the source and level of dietary phosphorus in channel catfish feeds should be based on nutritional and economic considerations rather than potential environmental impact.

Biomass assessment in commercial catfish ponds

With increasing seafood demand aquaculture is poised to become a major growth industry in the United States in the 21st century. In particular channel catfish represent an approximately $260 million industry in Mississippi with strong growth potential. A major portion of the costs associated with raising channel catfish are related to the cost of feed and aeration which are directly related to the total number of fish being raised in each pond. Crop insurance and bank loans are also contingent upon accurate population estimates. A high frequency, horizontally scanning, active pulse echo sonar system, the Aquascanner, has been developed to estimate pond populations. Commercial catfish ponds are typically 2 to 10 acres and, unlike many offshore fisheries, have fairly shallow depths of 1 to 2 m. The system components and its use will be presented along with results from field tests. [Work supported by US Dept. of Agriculture.]

Measurement of 5-day biochemical oxygen demand without sample dilution or bacterial and nutrient enhancement

A direct method for measuring the 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) of aquaculture samples that does not require sample dilution or bacterial and nutrient enrichment was evaluated. The regression coefficient (R2) between the direct method and the standard method for the analyses of 32 samples from catfish ponds was 0.996. The slope of the regression line did not differ from 1.0 or the Y-intercept from 0.0 at P=0.05. Thus, there was almost perfect agreement between the two methods. The control limits (three standard deviations of the mean) for a standard solution containing 15mg/L each of glutamic acid and glucose were 17.4 and 20.4mg/L. The precision of the two methods, based on eight replicate analyses of four pond water samples did not differ at P=0.05.

POTENTIAL FOR REMOTE SENSING FROM AGRICULTURAL AIRCRAFT USING DIGITAL VIDEO

A field imaging system using low-cost digital video was evaluated for use on agricultural aircraft. The system usesa digital video (DV) camera, Global Positioning System (GPS), and Video Mapping System (VMS) for image georeferencing.Remote control and monitoring was implemented to allow the pilot to image specific field areas of interest, facilitating imageacquisition and post-processing. Two practical applications are described to exemplify the use of digital video in agriculturalaircraft. Broadleaf weeds were distinguished from cotton, and chlorophyll a (chl a) concentration was regressed againstdigital numbers obtained from images of catfish ponds. For the weed detection study, a mixture of spotted spurge (Euphorbiamaculata L.) and hyssop spurge (Euphorbia hyssopifolia L.) were distinguishable from both early cotton (Gossypiumhirsutum L.) and Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.) using supervised classification algorithms. Results comparinga Mahalanobis Distance-classified image with the raw RGB image indicated cotton, spurge, and Johnsongrass correctlyclassified with 73%, 67%, and 82% accuracy, respectively. For the pond study, statistically significant relationships wereobserved between digital numbers from pond images and chlorophyll a (chl a ) from water samples obtained at multiple ponds.These experiments demonstrate the potential benefits of using low-cost digital video on aircraft to assist agriculturalproducers in improving management decisions.

Characteristics and sedimentation of initial effluent discharged from excavated levee ponds for channel catfish

Most channel catfish are produced in excavated levee ponds that are constructed with fixed drains extending from the deepest part of the pond through the levee. When these ponds are drained, sediment accumulated in and around the drainpipe inlet is discharged with the first flush of water, resulting in a high initial solids concentration in the effluent. This study was conducted to evaluate (1) the quality and settling characteristics of initial pond effluent from excavated ponds with fixed internal drains and (2) the spatial and temporal changes in water quality as the first flush of catfish pond effluent flowed through a 1-m wide vegetated drainage ditch. Chemical and settling characteristics of effluent samples collected at the discharge point during the first 20min of discharge were determined. The initial discharge was very high in total suspended solids, volatile suspended solids, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus. The initial solids concentration was 900 times higher than that of the bulk pond water. After 15min, poorly consolidated sediment from around the drain inlet had been discharged, and effluent quality was identical to the bulk pond water. The median-settling velocity of solids decreased from 0.7cm/s at the start of pond draining to 0.03cm/s after 15min. After initial effluent plumes had flowed 150–200m downstream, nearly all solids, nitrogen, and phosphorus in the initial effluent were removed and concentrations of those substances were lower than in bulk pond water. The duration of poor water quality of initial effluent from catfish ponds with internal drains was brief (ca. 10min) and discharged solids settled rapidly after flowing through 150–200m of vegetated ditch extending from pond effluent outfalls.

Threadfin Shad Dorosoma petenense Effects on Water Quality, Phytoplankton, and Channel Catfish Production in Ponds

AbstractThreadfin shad Dorosoma petenense are often stocked into commercial catfish ponds for biological control of algae. It is thought that the fish will alter the phytoplankton community, improve water quality, and enhance channel catfish production. Co‐stocking of shad and catfish is a common practice, although there is limited information regarding the effects of threadfin shad on pond dynamics and catfish production. To evaluate the influence of shad in catfish ponds, this study was conducted in ten 0.04‐ha experimental earthen ponds near Auburn, Alabama. All ponds were stocked in April with 600 fingerling channel catfish Ictal‐urus punctatus (13,200/ha) with a mean length of 10.4 cm (4.1 in). Additionally, five of these ponds were randomly chosen and stocked with 70 adult threadfin shad (1,750/ha) weighing a total of 3.3 kg (16.5 kg/ha). At harvest in November, an average of 1,284 threadfin shad (32,100/ha), weighing a total of 55 kg (1,375 kg/ha) were collected from each shad pond. Water quality was improved with the addition of threadfin shad to channel catfish ponds. Mean total ammonia‐nitrogen was significantly lower and less variable in the shad treatment. Observed mean nitrite concentrations, though not significant, were lower in the shad treatment. The phytoplankton community of the shad treatment had significantly higher density, more taxa, and smaller organisms. Pond water in the shad treatment had higher projected early morning dissolved oxygen levels requiring less aeration. Channel catfish had significantly higher survival in the shad treatment, furthermore, though not statistically significant, observed mean fish production was higher and feed conversion ratio was lower than in the no‐shad treatment.