Wanted to update with a couple of links. One is an
old publication that covers the culture of FH fingerlings. If you read this you will discover why its rare to find a supplier of flathead fingerlings ... especially advanced fingerlings. They are formidable predators indeed. The reference describes advanced fingerling production of only 20 to 50 fish/acre. The reason for the low number is mostly cannabilism, but they also beat up on each other. They are very successful at raising fingerlings to 2.5 inches. Beyond that they'll just feed on each other. Swingle reported that FH fingerling survival ranges between 0 and 2 percent when introduced into existing LMB and BG populations. When you think about it, they don't need to do a lot of recruiting to replace themselves ... rare as they tend to be among catfish. About 1 large FH/acre is the limit for most BOWs. The hatcheries even have to be careful with the broodfish. They feed the brood ponds at 1000 lbs forage per 100 lbs brooder standing weight annually. These holdings ponds must be stocked with forage prior to introducing brooders. This ensures the brooders don't eat each other.
These fish grow fast and here is a
link about FH growth. in some Oklahoma impoundments ranging from 11 acres to Lake Texoma. I think to use these fish for the threads purpose one needs a good handle on what is in the BOW and should be prepared to remove FH when they get too large.
