looking for ictalurus punctatus

[moose71]

hey folks. anyone got access to some channel fingerlings . im starting a pond and want a big native fish that is good eating as ill cull to keep only the biggest to be pets. anyone have any or can get some? looking for 25- to 50 but will take any you might have. t.y. u.s. only.

[Viktor Jarikov]

IDK how you will be housing them but Maine is too cold to keep them outdoors. This fish is not native to Maine, I think. Correct me, please, if I am wrong.

They are very rarely available IME (in the USA anyway; looks like they are gaining popularity in Asia - see below). These couple of threads should be informative to you, I hope.

-- Either directly from a farm; and one must have an "in": http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forum ... ue+catfish

-- Or this is the only mentioned occurrence I came across at a LFS in Western NY: http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forum ... ue+catfish

[moose71]

sorry i meant the channel cats. was told they survive as far north as central saskatchewan . wanted something different .

[Viktor Jarikov]

Channels, yes. They survive under ice ok. It is punctatus, not furcatus but I notice you have already made the change.

Channel catfish are widely available, even often at chain LFSs, most usually ~$5 each - I am sure they can order you a batch of 25-30 at a lower, bulk price.

I always see them on ebay too with very reasonable shipping: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid= ... &_from=R40

the best deal appears to be 25 (non-albino) fish for $60...