El bagre de canal (Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque, 1818): Estado actual y problemática en México

Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) is one of the endemic fishes of North America with the greatest potential for aquaculture. Despite this, data of its current distribution is scare and many aspects of its dynamic and productive performance remain unknown. In the present study, results are reported from a literature search and field analysis for describing the current status of channel catfish in Mexico regarding its historical and current geographical distribution as well as the problems faced by fish farmers and production systems. We were able to identify a lack of information and indicators to properly assess the extent of the species natural habitat and its productive potential. The quality and availability of water are among the main problems of the industry. Food costs represent the larger cost-loss for producers and there is great heterogeneity on the management of both breeding and production farms. Much of the production dynamics follows a pattern of trial and error. It became clear the need to optimize and standardize the processes on the channel catfish production system and to properly characterize domestic and wild populations to maximize their potential.