Chapman, Stanley L.

Gray, D. Leroy

King, Dennis W.

English

ScholarWorks@UARK

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of ScienceVolume 36 Article 261982Water Chemistry of Farm Ponds in ArkansasStanley L. ChapmanUniversity of Arkansas at Little RockD. Leroy GrayUniversity of Arkansas at Little RockDennis W. KingUniversity of Arkansas, FayettevilleFollow this and additional works at: http://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaasPart of the Agronomy and Crop Sciences CommonsThis article is available for use under the Creative Commons license: Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-ND 4.0). Users are able toread, download, copy, print, distribute, search, link to the full texts of these articles, or use them for any other lawful purpose, without asking priorpermission from the publisher or the author.This General Note is brought to you for free and open access by ScholarWorks@UARK. It has been accepted for inclusion in Journal of the ArkansasAcademy of Science by an authorized editor of ScholarWorks@UARK. For more information, please contact scholar@uark.edu, ccmiddle@uark.edu.Recommended CitationChapman, Stanley L.; Gray, D. Leroy; and King, Dennis W. (1982) "Water Chemistry of Farm Ponds in Arkansas," Journal of theArkansas Academy of Science: Vol. 36 , Article 26.Available at: http://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol36/iss1/26"TArkansas Academy of Science Proceedings, Vol. XXXVI,1982 83General NotesACKNOWLEDGMENTSFunding for this project was provided by NSF-EPSCOR grant 1SP8011447 and the University of Arkansas.LITERATURE CITEDANDERSON, P. 1950. A range extension for the ringed salamander,Ambystoma annulatum (Cope). Herpetologic 6:55.BLAIR,A.P. 1952. Notes on amphibians from Oklahoma and NorthDakota. Copeia, 2:114-115.rATI,R. L. 1980. The amphibians and reptiles of NortheasternArkansas: A report on their distribution and relative abundance.Unpublished M.S. thesis, Univ. of Ark., Fayetteville. 155p.¦MLEY, H. H., and C. S. BRIMLEY, 1895. The habitat of thesalamander, Lingeaelapsus annulatus. Amer. Nat. 29:168.rHEIM,I.L.,and L.S. MILLER.1951. The ringed salamander,Ambystoma annulatum in Oklahoma. Copeia 1:82.PALMER, E. L., and H. J. FOWLER. 1975. Fieldbook of naturalhistory. 2nd ed. McGraw-Hill, N. Y. 725p.rANDER, J. A. 1979. Aguide to Arkansas mammals. River RoadPress, Conway, Arkansas. 313p.SMITH, P. W. 1950. A third locality for the ringed salamander,Ambystoma annulatum. Copeia 3:228.SPOTILA, J. R., and R. J. BEUMER. 1970. The breeding habits ofthe ringed salamander, Ambystoma annulaum (Cope), inNorthwestern Arkansas. Amer. Midi. Nat. 84(l):77-89.STEJNEGER, L. 1894. Description ofa new salamander from Arkansaswith notes on Ambystoma annulatum. Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus.27(1023):579-599.TRAPP, M.M. 1956 (1957). Range and natural history of the ringedsalamander, Ambystoma annulatum Cope (Ambystomidae).Southw. Nat. 1:78-82.TRAPP, M. M. 1959. Studies on the life history of Ambystomaannulatum (Cope). Unpub. M.S. thesis, Univ. of Ark.,Fayetteville. 36p.PETER P. BRUSSOCK, IIIand ARTHUR V. BROWN, Department of Zoology, University ofArkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701WATER CHEMISTRY OF FARM PONDS INARKANSASThere are more than 100,000 farm ponds in Arkansas. Most were constructed in the last 30 years for multipleuse purposes and are usedfor fish production, swimming, livestock drinking water, domestic household water, and irrigation.» Water quality concerns led us to begin an educational program in the fall of 1978 aimed at farm pond management. More than 1,000 water)les were tested at farm pond clinics during the following three-year period using the University ofArkansas Mobile Lab (Figure). Objectivesto: 1) Characterize water chemistry of farm ponds, 2) make recommendations to farm pond owners based on water chemistry, and 3) collectsummarize water chemistry data for future reference.IWatersamples from farm ponds were taken by the owners on the day the samples were analyzed. Measurements of total alkalinity, totalness, specific conductance, turbidity,iron, nitrate, pH and other analyses were made, using a Hach Water Analysis Kit(Model DR-EL/4).Kit is similar to the one used by Horn and Garner in their pre-impoundment studies of Beaver Reservor (1965). The Hach Kitutilizes wetlical methods described in standard methods published byAPHA/AWWAW/WPCF (1975). Results from the use of the kit compare favorablythose obtained by standerd chemical methods (Boyd, 1977, 1979). Totalalkalinitywas titrated to the Brom Cresol Green-Methyl Red endpoint0.02 Nsulfuric acid. Total hardness was titrated with TitraVer Hardness Titrant (ethylene diamine tetracetic acid disodium salt). The specificuctance was determined by an electrical conductivity meter with a range of0-20,000 micromhos per centimeter (/imhos/cm). Iron was deter-dby the 1,10-Phenanthroline method at 510 nm.Nitrate was determined by the cadmium reduction method at 500 nm. Total hardness, alkalinity,te, and iron, were reported as milligramsper liter (mg/1). Turbidity was determined by the absorptometric method at 450 nm expressed inlazin Turbidity Units (FTU), which are equivalent to Jackson units. Aportable digitalpH meter, capable of measuring pH over the full0-14e, was used to determine the pH.IIn general, water samples from ponds in the 39 counties reflected differences in soils and geology (Tables 1 and 2). Fish ponds in Chicotty were an exception to this. These ponds are filled from wells containing relatively highconcentrations ofsalts. Essentially, all of the other:are filled from surface rainwater.IThe farm pond analyses were summarized in Table 3 according to major soil areas as described by the Soil Conservation Service (1967).d waters from the Ozark Highlands reflect the limestone geology. These waters contain relatively high mineral contents. Incontrast, the sand-e and shale geology ofthe Boston Mountains, Arkansas ValleyUplands, Ouachita Mountains, and Coastal Plains is reflected by the relativelymineral content of the waters. The four samples collected from farm ponds in the Blackland Prairie area reflect the chalky, limestone geology.One major environmental concern is that ofnitrates in drinking water. Inno case did pond water nitrates exceed the U. S. Public HealthService standard (1962) of 45 mg/1. Average nitrate values exceeded 2 mg/1 in only two counties.IMost of the farm pond water samples from the Bottomlands and Terraces area were from Chicot County. They reflect well waters high insalts (average specific conductance of 1787 average turbidity of 15 FTU). Major soil areas were not identified for more than halfe pond samples.Water samples were collected in 8 different months from April through December during the three-year sampling period. Analyses of thesamples did not seem to reflect definite trends in water chemistry by month of sampling.83Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science, Vol. 36 [1982], Art. 26Published by Arkansas Academy of Science, 198284 Arkansas Academy of Science Proceedings, Vol. XXXVI,1982Arkansas Academy of ScienceWater tested from farm ponds in 39 Arkansas counties reflected soil differences except where well water was used to fillthe ponds. In thesecases, the pond water reflected the well water chemistry. Nomajor chemical trends were noted as to month ofsampling. No water sample exceededthe 45 mg/1 nitrate level established by the U.S. Public Health Service for drinkingwater quality. Average values foriron were around 1.0 mg/ifor most samples. These waters would have to be treated for iron removal before they could be used for normal household use.Figure. Counties where farm pond waters were tested (1978-1981).84Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science, Vol. 36 [1982], Art. 26http://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol36/iss1/26'Arkansas Academy of Science Proceedings, Vol. XXXVI,1982 85General NotesLITERATURE CITEDAMERICAN PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION, AMERICANWATER WORKS ASSOCIATION, and WATER POLLU-TION CONTROL FEDERATION. 1975. Standard Methods forthe Examination of Water and Waste Water, 14th Addition,American Public Health Association, Washington, D.C., 1193p.BOYD, C. E. 1977. Evaluation ofa Water Analysis Kit. J. Environ.Qual., 6:381-384.BOYD, C. E. 1979. Water Quality in Warm Water Fish Ponds.Craftmaster Printers, Inc., Opelika, AL. vii + 359p.HORN, M.E., and D. E. GARNER. 1965. Characterization ofSoilsand Water in the Beaver Reservoir Area, University of Arkan-sas Agri. Exp. Sta. Bull. 702, 51p.SOILCONSERVATION SERVICE and UNIVERSITYOF ARKAN-SAS. 1967. Soil Association Map, State of Arkansas.U. S. PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE. 1962. U. S. Public HealthService Drinking Water Standards, U.S. Government PrintingOffice, Washington, D.C.STANLEYL. CHAPMAN,D.LEROYGRAY, Cooperative Extension Service, University ofArkansas, 1201 McAlmont, LittleRock, AR 72203,and DENNIS W. KING, Department ofAgronomy, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701.POLYCULTURE OF GIANTMALAYSIANPRAWNS (MACROBRACHIUM ROSENBERGI1)AND FATHEADMINNOWS (PIMEPHALES PROMELAS)Since the discovery of the complete life cycle of the Malaysian prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, a promising aquacultural industry hasdeveloped (Ling,1962). Being native to tropical areas ofSoutheast Asia (Ling, 1962), Malaysian prawn culture in the United States has been limitedto Hawaii (Fujimura, 1974), Puerto Rico (Prince and Watters, 1976) and the southern continental United States (Smith et al., 1976; Willis andBerrigan, 1977a; Perry et al., 1981).» Polyculture of freshwater prawns with other aquatic organisms has been undertaken in recent years. Species cultured with prawns includead carp (Aristichthys nobilis), silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), white amur (Ctenopharyngodon idella), common carp (Cyprinuso) (R. J. Baur, pers. comm., Illinois Natural History Survey, Kinmundy) and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) (Huner et al., 1980).IIncertain geographic areas, bait fish culture has emerged as an important industry. Based upon annual monetary farm sales, minnow farminglargest aquacultural industry in the United States, with the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) being one of the three most frequentlyed bait fishes (Brown, 1980).Since prawns are already established incertain regions as food, bait, and ornamental organisms (Berrigan et al., 1978), polyculture with fatheadminnows would enable a bait culturist to raise a specialized crop of high value in addition to fathead minnow production.1Polyculture ofprawns and fathead minnows was conducted in two 0.3 ha earthern ponds at the Joe Hogan State Fish Hatchery, Lonoke,isas. Prawn post-larvae from the Anunue Fisheries Research Center inHonolulu, Hawaii, were stocked at densities of 17/m;and 24/m*.ing density of fathead minnows was 30 kg/ha.Feed utilized was a pelleted catfish ration containing 30% protein and 10% fish meal. Feeding rate was initially14% of prawn body weightper day, but was later decreased to 4% of prawn body weight per day.Sampling of prawns was conducted at two week intervals. Sampling included collection by shoreline seining and measuring of rostrum totelson length for prawns captured (Perry et al., 1981).IAtharvest, total weights were obtained forprawns and fathead minnows. Mean lengths and weights were taken for prawns. One hundredduals ofeach, per pond, were measured to obtain mean measurements. Food conversion ratios were calculated by dividing total weight ofis and minnows produced by the total weight of feed places in the ponds.K Survivalof prawn post-larvae was excellent duringshipment (Table 1). However, after stocking, survival deceased drastically. Complete prawnality occurred in one pond. This mortality may have been caused by insecticide drift from local agriculture and/or mosquito control applica-since the pond's location was inthe proximity of such activities. Survival ofprawns in the second pond was 39% with mortality determined:the result of predation by aquatic insects, wading birds and semi-aquatic snakes and turtles. Aquaria observations also indicated thatibalism could have contributed significantly to prawn mortality.ILarge size variation (2.0 to 20.0 g and 5.7 to 14.0 cm) was noted among prawns at harvest (Table 2) and was probably due to the "bull"phenomenon described by Smith et al. (1976). Prevention of this phenomenon and the resultant harvest of a larger-sized, more uniformmight have been achieved by periodically removing larger prawns (Berrigan et al., 1978).iPrawn production was low (371.7 kg/ha) and may have been affected by the stocking density utilized (Willisand Berrigan, 1977b) and thesize of prawns stocked into the ponds (Ling,1969; Willis et al., 1976). Perhaps the factor most inhibitinggrowth ofprawns was the climatened, 95 day growing season.B Fathead minnow production (Table 2) was excellent (373 kg/ha and 443.5 kg/ha). Production equaled or exceeded average production dataathead minnow producers in Arkansas (Henderson et al., 1978; Freeze and Fiegel, 1980), the largest producer ofbait fish in the United Stateswn, 1980).tNet feet conversion ratios (Table 2) strongly suggest that natural food organisms were being utilized by both prawns and minnows, in additione commercial pellets. Itis probable that plant materials were ingested by both minnows and prawns (Willisand Berrigan, 1977a; Giudice et980). Inaddition, fecal material might have been utilized by the prawns (Johnanenes and Satoni, 1966; Frankenburg and Smith, 1967). Othersources available to the larger prawns included fathead minnows and smaller prawns. Aquaria observations revealed strong tendencies towardibalism and prawns were observed on numerous occasions to feed upon fathead minnows. The feed used appeared tohave acceptable palatability.t prawns held in aquaria were observed to readily consume the pellets.» Although no replications existed in this study, the indication that Giant Malaysian prawns may be reared with fathead minnows withoutrently affecting minnow production, suggests a possible new use of prawns in the southern United States. However, further evaluation ofal areas are needed before this type ofpolyculture becomes a reality. Stocking densities should be established which would allow maximum85Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science, Vol. 36 [1982], Art. 26Published by Arkansas Academy of Science, 1982

Water Chemistry of Farm Ponds in Arkansas

UARK (University of Arkansas )

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science Volume 36 Article 26 1982 Water Chemistry of Farm Ponds in Arkansas Stanley L. Chapman University of Arkansas at Little Rock D. Leroy Gray University of Arkansas at Little Rock Dennis W. King University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas  Part of the Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons Recommended Citation Chapman, Stanley L.; Gray, D. Leroy; and King, Dennis W. (1982) "Water Chemistry of Farm Ponds in Arkansas," Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science: Vol. 36 , Article 26. Available at: https://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol36/iss1/26 This article is available for use under the Creative Commons license: Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-ND 4.0). Users are able to read, download, copy, print, distribute, search, link to the full texts of these articles, or use them for any other lawful purpose, without asking prior permission from the publisher or the author. This General Note is brought to you for free and open access by ScholarWorks@UARK. It has been accepted for inclusion in Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science by an authorized editor of ScholarWorks@UARK. For more information, please contact scholar@uark.edu. "TArkansas Academy of Science Proceedings, Vol. XXXVI,1982 83General NotesACKNOWLEDGMENTSFunding for this project was provided by NSF-EPSCOR grant 1SP8011447 and the University of Arkansas.LITERATURE CITEDANDERSON, P. 1950. A range extension for the ringed salamander,Ambystoma annulatum (Cope). Herpetologic 6:55.BLAIR,A.P. 1952. Notes on amphibians from Oklahoma and NorthDakota. Copeia, 2:114-115.rATI,R. L. 1980. The amphibians and reptiles of NortheasternArkansas: A report on their distribution and relative abundance.Unpublished M.S. thesis, Univ. of Ark., Fayetteville. 155p.¦MLEY, H. H., and C. S. BRIMLEY, 1895. The habitat of thesalamander, Lingeaelapsus annulatus. Amer. Nat. 29:168.rHEIM,I.L.,and L.S. MILLER.1951. The ringed salamander,Ambystoma annulatum in Oklahoma. Copeia 1:82.PALMER, E. L., and H. J. FOWLER. 1975. Fieldbook of naturalhistory. 2nd ed. McGraw-Hill, N. Y. 725p.rANDER, J. A. 1979. Aguide to Arkansas mammals. River RoadPress, Conway, Arkansas. 313p.SMITH, P. W. 1950. A third locality for the ringed salamander,Ambystoma annulatum. Copeia 3:228.SPOTILA, J. R., and R. J. BEUMER. 1970. The breeding habits ofthe ringed salamander, Ambystoma annulaum (Cope), inNorthwestern Arkansas. Amer. Midi. Nat. 84(l):77-89.STEJNEGER, L. 1894. Description ofa new salamander from Arkansaswith notes on Ambystoma annulatum. Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus.27(1023):579-599.TRAPP, M.M. 1956 (1957). Range and natural history of the ringedsalamander, Ambystoma annulatum Cope (Ambystomidae).Southw. Nat. 1:78-82.TRAPP, M. M. 1959. Studies on the life history of Ambystomaannulatum (Cope). Unpub. M.S. thesis, Univ. of Ark.,Fayetteville. 36p.PETER P. BRUSSOCK, IIIand ARTHUR V. BROWN, Department of Zoology, University ofArkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701WATER CHEMISTRY OF FARM PONDS INARKANSASThere are more than 100,000 farm ponds in Arkansas. Most were constructed in the last 30 years for multipleuse purposes and are usedfor fish production, swimming, livestock drinking water, domestic household water, and irrigation.» Water quality concerns led us to begin an educational program in the fall of 1978 aimed at farm pond management. More than 1,000 water)les were tested at farm pond clinics during the following three-year period using the University ofArkansas Mobile Lab (Figure). Objectivesto: 1) Characterize water chemistry of farm ponds, 2) make recommendations to farm pond owners based on water chemistry, and 3) collectsummarize water chemistry data for future reference.IWater samples from farm ponds were taken by the owners on the day the samples were analyzed. Measurements of total alkalinity, totalness, specific conductance, turbidity,iron, nitrate, pH and other analyses were made, using a Hach Water Analysis Kit(Model DR-EL/4).Kit is similar to the one used by Horn and Garner in their pre-impoundment studies of Beaver Reservor (1965). The Hach Kitutilizes wetlical methods described in standard methods published byAPHA/AWWAW/WPCF (1975). Results from the use of the kit compare favorablythose obtained by standerd chemical methods (Boyd, 1977, 1979). Totalalkalinitywas titrated to the Brom Cresol Green-Methyl Red endpoint0.02 Nsulfuric acid. Total hardness was titrated with TitraVer Hardness Titrant (ethylene diamine tetracetic acid disodium salt). The specificuctance was determined by an electrical conductivity meter with a range of0-20,000 micromhos per centimeter (/imhos/cm). Iron was deter-dby the 1,10-Phenanthroline method at 510 nm.Nitrate was determined by the cadmium reduction method at 500 nm. Total hardness, alkalinity,te, and iron, were reported as milligramsper liter (mg/1). Turbidity was determined by the absorptometric method at 450 nm expressed inlazin Turbidity Units (FTU), which are equivalent to Jackson units. Aportable digitalpH meter, capable of measuring pH over the full0-14e, was used to determine the pH.IIn general, water samples from ponds in the 39 counties reflected differences in soils andgeology (Tables 1 and 2). Fish ponds in Chicotty were an exception to this. These ponds are filled from wells containing relatively highconcentrations ofsalts. Essentially, all of the other:are filled from surface rainwater.IThe farm pond analyses were summarized in Table 3 according to major soil areas as described by the Soil Conservation Service (1967).d waters from the Ozark Highlands reflect the limestone geology. These waters contain relatively high mineral contents. Incontrast, the sand-e and shale geology ofthe Boston Mountains, Arkansas ValleyUplands, Ouachita Mountains, and Coastal Plains is reflected by the relativelymineral content of the waters. The four samples collected from farm ponds in the Blackland Prairie area reflect the chalky, limestone geology.One major environmental concern is that ofnitrates in drinking water. Inno case did pond water nitrates exceed the U. S. Public HealthService standard (1962) of 45 mg/1. Average nitrate values exceeded 2 mg/1 in only two counties.IMost of the farm pond water samples from the Bottomlands and Terraces area werefrom Chicot County. They reflect well waters high insalts (average specific conductance of 1787 average turbidity of 15 FTU). Major soil areas were not identified for more than halfe pond samples.Water samples were collected in 8 different months from April through December during the three-year sampling period. Analyses of thesamples did not seem to reflect definite trends in water chemistry by month of sampling.83Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science, Vol. 36 [1982], Art. 26Published by Arkansas Academy of Science, 198284 Arkansas Academy of Science Proceedings, Vol. XXXVI,1982Arkansas Academy of ScienceWater tested from farm ponds in 39 Arkansas counties reflected soil differences except where well water was used to fillthe ponds. In thesecases, the pond water reflected the well water chemistry. Nomajor chemical trends were noted as to month ofsampling. No water sample exceededthe 45 mg/1 nitrate level established by the U.S. Public Health Service for drinkingwater quality. Average values foriron were around 1.0 mg/ifor most samples. These waters would have to be treated for iron removal before they could be used for normal household use.Figure. Counties where farm pond waters were tested (1978-1981).84Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science, Vol. 36 [1982], Art. 26https://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol36/iss1/26'Arkansas Academy of Science Proceedings, Vol. XXXVI,1982 85General NotesLITERATURE CITEDAMERICAN PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION, AMERICANWATER WORKS ASSOCIATION, and WATER POLLU-TION CONTROL FEDERATION. 1975. Standard Methods forthe Examination of Water and Waste Water, 14th Addition,American Public Health Association, Washington, D.C., 1193p.BOYD, C. E. 1977. Evaluation ofa Water Analysis Kit. J. Environ.Qual., 6:381-384.BOYD, C. E. 1979. Water Quality in Warm Water Fish Ponds.Craftmaster Printers, Inc., Opelika, AL. vii + 359p.HORN, M.E., and D. E. GARNER. 1965. Characterization ofSoilsand Water in the Beaver Reservoir Area, University of Arkan-sas Agri. Exp. Sta. Bull. 702, 51p.SOILCONSERVATION SERVICE and UNIVERSITYOF ARKAN-SAS. 1967. Soil Association Map, State of Arkansas.U. S. PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE. 1962. U. S. Public HealthService Drinking Water Standards, U.S. Government PrintingOffice, Washington, D.C.STANLEYL. CHAPMAN,D.LEROYGRAY, Cooperative Extension Service, University ofArkansas, 1201 McAlmont, LittleRock, AR 72203,and DENNIS W. KING, Department ofAgronomy, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701.POLYCULTURE OF GIANTMALAYSIANPRAWNS (MACROBRACHIUM ROSENBERGI1)AND FATHEADMINNOWS (PIMEPHALES PROMELAS)Since the discovery of the complete life cycle of the Malaysian prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, a promising aquacultural industry hasdeveloped (Ling,1962). Being native to tropical areas ofSoutheast Asia (Ling, 1962), Malaysian prawn culture in the United States has been limitedto Hawaii (Fujimura, 1974), Puerto Rico (Prince and Watters, 1976) and the southern continental United States (Smith et al., 1976; Willis andBerrigan, 1977a; Perry et al., 1981).» Polyculture of freshwater prawns with other aquatic organisms has been undertaken in recent years. Species cultured with prawns includead carp (Aristichthys nobilis), silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), white amur (Ctenopharyngodon idella), common carp (Cyprinuso) (R. J. Baur, pers. comm., Illinois Natural History Survey, Kinmundy) and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) (Huner et al., 1980).IIncertaingeographic areas, bait fish culture has emerged as an important industry. Based upon annual monetary farm sales, minnow farminglargest aquacultural industry in the United States, with the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) being one of the three most frequentlyed bait fishes (Brown, 1980).Since prawns are already established incertain regions as food, bait, and ornamental organisms (Berrigan et al., 1978), polyculture with fatheadminnows would enable a bait culturist to raise a specialized crop of high value in addition to fathead minnow production.1Polyculture ofprawns and fathead minnows was conducted in two 0.3 ha earthern ponds at the Joe Hogan State Fish Hatchery, Lonoke,isas. Prawn post-larvae from the Anunue Fisheries Research Center inHonolulu, Hawaii, were stocked at densities of 17/m;and 24/m*.ing density of fathead minnows was 30 kg/ha.Feed utilized was a pelleted catfish ration containing 30% protein and 10% fish meal. Feeding rate was initially14% of prawn body weightper day, but was later decreased to 4% of prawn body weight per day.Sampling of prawns was conducted at two week intervals. Sampling included collection by shoreline seining and measuring of rostrum totelson length for prawns captured (Perry et al., 1981).IAtharvest, total weights were obtained forprawns and fathead minnows. Mean lengths and weights were taken for prawns. One hundredduals ofeach, per pond, were measured to obtain mean measurements. Food conversion ratios were calculated by dividing total weight ofis and minnows produced by the total weight of feed places in the ponds.KSurvivalof prawn post-larvae was excellent duringshipment (Table 1). However, after stocking, survival deceased drastically. Complete prawnality occurred in one pond. This mortality may have been caused by insecticide drift from local agriculture and/or mosquito control applica-since the pond's location was inthe proximity of such activities. Survival ofprawns in the second pond was 39% with mortality determined:the result of predation by aquatic insects, wading birds and semi-aquatic snakes and turtles. Aquaria observations also indicated thatibalism could have contributed significantly to prawn mortality.ILarge size variation (2.0 to 20.0 g and 5.7 to 14.0 cm) was noted among prawns at harvest (Table 2) and was probably due to the "bull"phenomenon described by Smith et al. (1976). Prevention of this phenomenon and the resultant harvest of a larger-sized, more uniformmight have been achieved by periodically removing larger prawns (Berrigan et al., 1978).iPrawnproduction was low (371.7 kg/ha) and may have been affected by the stocking density utilized (Willisand Berrigan, 1977b) and thesize of prawns stocked into the ponds (Ling,1969; Willis et al., 1976). Perhaps the factor most inhibitinggrowth ofprawns was the climatened, 95 day growing season.B Fathead minnow production (Table 2) was excellent (373 kg/ha and 443.5 kg/ha). Productionequaled or exceeded average production dataathead minnow producers in Arkansas (Henderson et al., 1978; Freeze and Fiegel, 1980), the largest producer ofbait fish in the United Stateswn, 1980).tNetfeet conversion ratios (Table 2) strongly suggest that natural food organisms were being utilized by both prawns and minnows, in additione commercial pellets. Itis probable that plant materials were ingested by both minnows and prawns (Willisand Berrigan, 1977a; Giudice et980). Inaddition, fecal material might have been utilized by the prawns (Johnanenes and Satoni, 1966; Frankenburg and Smith, 1967). Othersources available to the larger prawns included fathead minnows and smaller prawns. Aquaria observations revealed strong tendencies towardibalism and prawns were observed on numerous occasions to feed upon fathead minnows. The feed used appeared tohave acceptable palatability.t prawns held in aquaria were observed to readily consume the pellets.» Although no replications existed in this study, the indication that Giant Malaysian prawns may be reared with fathead minnows withoutrently affecting minnow production, suggests a possible new use of prawns in the southern United States. However, further evaluation ofal areas are needed before this type ofpolyculture becomes a reality. Stocking densities should be established which would allow maximum85Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science, Vol. 36 [1982], Art. 26Published by Arkansas Academy of Science, 1982

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Water Chemistry of Farm Ponds in Arkansas

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