Influences of Cyclic, High Temperatures on Juvenile Channel Catfish Growth and Feeding

Abstract

Effects of high summer temperatures on Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus are poorly understood, particularly for thermal regimes that mimic pond aquaculture conditions. Therefore, this study examined the effects of three cycling upper‐range temperature regimes (23–27°C, 27–31°C, and 31–35°C) characteristic of aquaculture environments in the Mississippi Delta. Feed conversion ratio, feed consumption, specific growth rate, activity levels, survival, and overall growth in terms of wet weight and TL were measured in fingerling channel catfish over an 8‐week period in a flow‐through, multiple‐tank system. Specific growth rate, feed consumption, TL, and wet weight of fish increased significantly in the 27–31°C treatment in contrast to the 23–27°C and 31–35°C treatments. Feed conversion ratio was lowest in the 27–31°C treatment, whereas activity levels were highest in the 31–35°C treatment. Survival significantly decreased for catfish in the warmest treatment compared with catfish in the coolest treatment. These results indicate that high temperatures decrease growth in Channel Catfish, largely due to reduced food consumption and feed conversion and increased levels of activity. Therefore, increases in temperatures, such as from climate change, present challenges to the culture and management of Channel Catfish.

Effects of acute thermal stress on acid–base regulation, haematology, ion‐osmoregulation and aerobic metabolism in Channel Catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus )

“…Heating rate was based on data from Channel Catfish ponds which showed that water temperatures increased at a rate of 1-2°C/ hr (Arnold et al, 2013). Heating rate was based on data from Channel Catfish ponds which showed that water temperatures increased at a rate of 1-2°C/ hr (Arnold et al, 2013).…”

“…It has a broad distribution spanning from northern Mexico to southern Canada, with a natural thermal range of 0-35°C (McCauley & Beitinger, 1992). In North American culture ponds, summer daily water temperatures average 28°C and are known to increase up to 37°C (Arnold, Torrans, & Allen, 2013), which approach the upper thermal tolerance of catfish, 38.6-40.3°C (Stewart & Allen, 2014). Within their historical distribution, mean summer temperatures in natural environments range from 18 to 26°C with daily fluctuations of 1-3°C (Beitinger et al, 2000;United States Geological Survey, 2017).…”

“…The Channel Catfish are subjected to seasonal and daily variations in temperature in both natural and culture environments. Channel Catfish culture ponds average only 1.5 m in depth and are associated with daily fluctuations of about 3-6°C, reaching a daily maximum of 36-37°C in the summer (Arnold et al, 2013;Wax & Pote, 1990). In North American culture ponds, summer daily water temperatures average 28°C and are known to increase up to 37°C (Arnold, Torrans, & Allen, 2013), which approach the upper thermal tolerance of catfish, 38.6-40.3°C (Stewart & Allen, 2014).…”

“…Despite past studies examining the effects of extreme and fluctuating temperatures on Channel Catfish growth, development and survival (Arnold et al, 2013;Stewart & Allen, 2014;Stewart, Bosworth, Petrie-Hanson, Martin, & Allen, 2015), the physiological responses to thermal stress including acid-base regulation, haematology, osmoregulation and metabolism, have not been well documented for this species. Further, the acclimation protocol used in this study is very reflective of the temperature profile in most Channel Catfish ponds in the Southeastern US (Arnold et al, 2013). One month prior to the start of experimental trials, the tank temperature was reduced to 28°C.…”

A Review of Molecular Responses of Catfish to Bacterial Diseases and Abiotic Stresses

“…Three cycling upper-range temperature regimes (23–27°C, 27–31°C, and 31–35°C) of aquaculture environments affected the growth, and feeding performance of juvenile channel catfish (Arnold et al, 2013). The survival rate of catfish was significantly decreased for individuals under the highest temperature regime.…”