Technical Abstract: A closed stirring-respirometer was designed to allow for agitation of small samples of channel catfish egg masses while measuring oxygen consumption. Egg mass samples ranging in size from 15-46 g were placed on a platform above a magnetic spin bar; the degree of agitation was controlled with a magnetic stir plate. Dissolved oxygen concentration and temperature were measured with a luminescent dissolved oxygen sensor and meter. While the respirometer could not be used with sac fry, it worked very well with eggs. The respirometer was used to determine standard metabolic rate and critical oxygen concentration on 36 egg mass samples ranging in age from zero to five days post-fertilization.