From SRAC :https://srac.tamu.edu/serveFactSheet/153

Spawning containers
Channel catfish are “cavity spawners”
and require a chamber into
which they can deposit eggs. Eggs
adhere to one another and form a
large sponge-like mass or matrix
when the spawning process is completed
(Fig. 1). Spawning cavities
can be fabricated from objects such
as ammunition cans, aluminum
milk cans, plastic buckets or barrels.
The opening should be 5 to 7 inches
(12.7 to 17.8 cm) in diameter so larger
fish can enter. Container volume
should be at least 10 gallons (38 L),
with 15 to 20 gallons (57 to 76 L)
being optimal.
If eggs are transferred from the
spawning containers to the hatchery
two to three times each week, a
ratio of one container for every
three to four female brooders is
adequate. For ease of collection
and best spawning success, containers
should be placed in water 2
to 3 feet (61 to 91 cm) deep around
the pond perimeter, and spaced 6
to 7 feet (2 m) apart. There is less
spawning at depths below 3 feet
(1 m) because of low dissolved
oxygen in the morning at lower
depths.
The spawning season lasts several
weeks. At peak spawning times it
is not likely that more than 20 percent
of females will spawn during
a 48-hour period.

Last edited by ewest; 08/10/17 05:27 PM.