Chironomid abundance and consumption by juvenile channel catfish in plastic‐lined and earthen culture ponds

In 2004, research was conducted to compare chironomid larvae populations and their use by channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) fingerlings in two different culture systems. Over a 4‐month culture period, chironomid larvae densities in plastic‐lined ponds were significantly less than those in earthen ponds. The consumption of chironomid larvae by channel catfish fingerlings was related to chironomid abundance in earthen ponds. The significance of these findings is the possible relationship among pond type, initial consumption of commercial diets and subsequent survival rates of fingerling channel catfish.