This investigation was conducted under the Saltonstall -Kennedy Act 

 for commercial fishery research, University of Oklahoma Research Institute 

 Projects 120 and 132, Contract Nos. 14-19-008-2382 and 14-19-008-2488. 

 Dr. Carl D. Riggs, Project Leader, direct the work . 



ABSTRACT 



Channel catfish were induced to spawn in glass aquaria by the injection 

 of fish pituitaries. The normal spawning pattern and behavior probably was 

 not modified by the injections. During the pre- spawning period the male hazed 

 the female and both were belligerent toward other fish. Pairing was accomplished 

 when the female was subdued and assumed a given position on the bottom of the 

 aquarium. The emission of sex products was preceded by a spawning reflex in 

 which the male wrapped his tail around the head of the female and quivered, 

 while the female responded in like manner . The spawning act required about 

 6 hours and eggs were released about 9 times each hour. Bright lights, visitors, 

 or handling the spawners did not materially interfere with or delay the spawning 

 act. The males cared for the eggs after the spawning was completed. Males 

 were used to spawn with more than one female, but the females usually deposited 

 all their eggs during one spawning. 



