FISH LOSES TO BE REPLACED AT THREE LAKES
| Share or Bookmark: |
The cause of death of recently stocked catfish at three of 20 urban lakes looks like it is just a case of stress and malnourishment. All catfish stocked into urban lakes come from Arkansas fish farms. These Arkansas cats have experienced late winter/early spring stress due to a highly unusual sequence of major cold and ice storms. Until water temperatures reach 60 degrees, fish farmers do not feed their catfish—this did not occur until early April, a delay of 4-6 weeks over normal. 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 and stressed fish placed into Arizona urban lakes with 15-20 degree warmer water made it tough for some of the catfish to adjust. Park staffs have dutifully removed all dead and sick catfish from the lakes. Die-off levels have ranged from 10-35 percent of the stocked catfish at Riverview Lake, Alvord Lake and Papago Pond #3. Catfish stockings for the week of April 13-18 will include stronger, well-fed catfish that have recently enjoyed much warmer conditions. Replacement catfish will be stocked into the three affected lakes.