Selected population characteristics of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, and flathead catfish, Pylodictis olivaris, in the lower 200 miles of the Wabash River

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Authors
Willenberg, Zachary J.
Advisor
Lauer, Thomas E.
Issue Date
2000
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (M.S.)
Department
Department of Biology
Other Identifiers
Abstract

This study describes the population characteristics of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) in the lower 200 miles of the Wabash River in 1998. Densities of channel and flathead catfish did not differ over the study reach for either species. Electrofishing captured twice as many channel as flathead catfish, and hoop nets captured twice as many flatheads as channel catfish. Growth rates of channel catfish were fast as compared to documented growth in other rivers in the United States, with ages ranging from 1-8. Flathead catfish growth was average when compared to that reported in other United States rivers with ages ranging from 0-7. Length-frequency analysis for both species revealed the populations were comprised of small individuals with mortality higher than expected in older fish. This study will aid in the management of the Wabash River, as historic data are limited.

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