04-30-2008, 12:10 AM
The cause of death of recently stocked catfish at 5 of 19 urban lakes looks like it is just a case of fish stress and common bacteria. "There is no need to worry," said Dr. Andy Goodwin, Fish Pathologist Associate Director at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. He explained that catfish throughout Arkansas have experienced late winter/early spring stress due to a highly unusual sequence of major cold and wet storms earlier this year. Periods of cooling and warming cycles favor certain common bacteria that can infect weakened catfish. Additionally, until water temperatures reach the mid 50's, fish farmers do not feed their catfish-this did not occur until mid April, a delay of 4-6 weeks over normal.
<br>Consequently, catfish stocked into Urban lakes in March and April were five months without food and extra stressed after their 40 hour overland transport from Arkansas. The combination of weakened, immuno-compromised fish placed into Arizona urban lakes with 20-25 degree warmer water made the catfish particularly susceptible to bacterial diseases.<br>
<br>Two super common bacteria, Columnaris and Aeromonas, can thrive under this combination of circumstances. In lakes with high alkalinity, these bacteria can be especially abundant. Resident bass, bluegill and other fish are unaffected.
<br>Dr. Goodwin stated, "These two bacteria are common in the normal flora of fish, water and sediments. They pose no harm to humans or animals." Park staffs have dutifully removed all dead and sick catfish from the lakes. Die-off levels have ranged from 5-50% of the stocked catfish at affected lakes. Catfish stockings for the week of April 28-May 3 will include stronger, well-fed catfish that have recently enjoyed much warmer conditions.<br>
<br>April 28 - May 3 Catfish Stocking Status: Chaparral Lake and Red Mountain Lake will not be stocked with catfish due to environmental lake stressors that can affect survival of newly stocked fish. Lake conditions at Cortez Lake, Water Ranch Lake, Desert Breeze Lake and Surprise Lake are once again suitable for fish stockings to resume this week. All other lakes are scheduled for regular stockings.
<br>Consequently, catfish stocked into Urban lakes in March and April were five months without food and extra stressed after their 40 hour overland transport from Arkansas. The combination of weakened, immuno-compromised fish placed into Arizona urban lakes with 20-25 degree warmer water made the catfish particularly susceptible to bacterial diseases.<br>
<br>Two super common bacteria, Columnaris and Aeromonas, can thrive under this combination of circumstances. In lakes with high alkalinity, these bacteria can be especially abundant. Resident bass, bluegill and other fish are unaffected.
<br>Dr. Goodwin stated, "These two bacteria are common in the normal flora of fish, water and sediments. They pose no harm to humans or animals." Park staffs have dutifully removed all dead and sick catfish from the lakes. Die-off levels have ranged from 5-50% of the stocked catfish at affected lakes. Catfish stockings for the week of April 28-May 3 will include stronger, well-fed catfish that have recently enjoyed much warmer conditions.<br>
<br>April 28 - May 3 Catfish Stocking Status: Chaparral Lake and Red Mountain Lake will not be stocked with catfish due to environmental lake stressors that can affect survival of newly stocked fish. Lake conditions at Cortez Lake, Water Ranch Lake, Desert Breeze Lake and Surprise Lake are once again suitable for fish stockings to resume this week. All other lakes are scheduled for regular stockings.