Growth and Body Condition of Channel Catfish and Channel Catfish x Blue Catfish Hybrids in Two Kansas Impoundments

There has been a recent increase in the number of Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus x Blue Catfish I. furcatus hybrids (hereafter hybrid catfish) produced for the food fish industry. These fish are preferred over Channel Catfish by many aquaculturists because they convert feed more efficiently, grow more rapidly, are more disease resistant, and their flesh is typically preferred by consumers. Despite these qualities, hybrid catfish have not been extensively used to create angling opportunities. We stocked equal numbers of Channel Catfish and hybrid catfish intermediates (approximately 6 to 12 in) in two small impoundments in southeast Kansas for three consecutive years (2013 to 2015). Growth and body condition were monitored from fish sampled with gill nets in spring and fall and baited tandem hoop nets in summer. Hybrid catfish grew more rapidly than Channel Catfish and reached minimum length limit (15 in) as age-1 fish. Channel Catfish generally reached 15 in as age-2 fish. Weight at length was similar between the species for lengths up to 15 in, but hybrid catfish were typically heavier as total length exceeded 15 in. These results provide evidence that hybrid catfish might be useful in put-grow-take fisheries common to small impoundments in Kansas.