Ictalurus Punctatus Rafinesque Research Articles

Recirculation anaesthesia for laboratory fish.

An economic reliable long-term recirculation anaesthesia system for laboratory fish is described. Anaesthesia of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque) was induced within 60 s and was maintained for up to 40 min using tricaine methanesulphonate; recovery occurred within 30-60 s. Various surgical procedures were performed on the fish. No deaths were recorded. All water-quality parameters tested over 19 days use of the system remained stable except for total ammonia nitrogen and, by calculation, un-ionized ammonia which increased to a maximum of 0.23 mg/l.

The bone compartment in a teleost fish, Ictalurus punctatus: size, composition and acid-base response to hypercapnia.

An estimate of the total mass of bone in the Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque, was obtained by dissection. The wet weight of bone constituted 16.3 +/- 1.9% (+/- S.D.) of the total (live) wet weight, and 25.0 +/- 2.1% of the dry weight. Of the dry skeletal material, 66.3 +/- 11.1% was soluble in strong acid. The acid-soluble material was about half mineral salts, consisting of 19.5 +/- 2.21% Ca2+ and 27.6 +/- 3.22% PO4(3-), with minor fractions of Mg2+ (0.33%) and CO3(2-) (1.67%). The pH values of fluid compartments associated with skull and vertebral bone tissues were 7.420 +/- 0.026 and 7.444 +/- 0.017 (+/- S.E.), respectively, at a normocapnic plasma pH of 7.868 +/- 0.020. In response to external hypercapnia (7.5 Torr), the blood response consisted of an immediate decrease in pH, and a subsequent compensatory rise in both pH and [HCO3-]. This compensatory phase was accompanied by a net apparent H+ excretion to the water. The participation of the mineral salts of the bone compartment in compensation appeared to be negligible, since there was no significant change in either blood [Ca2+] or [PO4(3-)], nor any significant increase in calcium efflux to the water. The intracellular pH values of the bone compartments were only slightly higher than other tissues, and the changes in pHi during hypercapnia were similar in bone and white muscle. Thus, the bone compartment in the fish appears to be well regulated, relatively refractory to acute acid-base disturbance, and does not serve as an ion source during acid-base compensation.

Immune response of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque, to bacterial and protozoan antigens administered by three routes

Experiments were conducted to measure the agglutinating antibody response of channel catfish to a particulate and a soluble antigen administered simultaneously by one of three routes. Specific antibody production in response to administration of particulate brucella tube-test antigen via intramuscular injection, oral drench, and topical application peaked at 3 weeks in channel catfish held under identical conditions at 21°C. The humoral antibody response was greater in fish injected with antigen than in the orally or topically exposed channel catfish. Specific antibody was also produced by the same channel catfish in response to the administration of a soluble ciliary preparation derived from Tetrahymena pyriformis Lwoff. Intramuscular injection of Tetrahymena antigen was the only route that produced detectable levels of circulating antibody as measured by direct agglutination of live T. pyriformis cells. The response to the soluble antigen also peaked at 3 weeks. Neither antigen elicited detectable agglutinins in cutaneous mucus, regardless of the vaccination method used.

Pathology associated with a natural Edwardsiella ictaluri infection in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque).

Pathology associated with a natural Edwardsiella ictaluri infection in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque).

The acid-base responses of gills and kidneys to infused acid and base loads in the channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus.

Acid and base loads infused into the dorsal aorta of the freshwater channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque) were excreted by both gills and kidneys. The gills excreted 2-3 times as much as the kidneys. After a 2 mmol . kg-1 load of NaHCO3, the gills excreted 50% of the net OH- load in the first 5 h, while the kidneys excreted 18% in the first 6 h. After a 2 mmol . kg-1 load of NH4Cl, the gills excreted 32% of the load in 6 h, and 16% was excreted renally in 20 h. There was no evidence of tissue damage after either NaHCO3 or NH4Cl infusions, whereas infusion of 2 mmol . kg-1 HCl or 1 mmol . kg-1 of L(+)-lactic acid caused significant kidney damage and extensive tissue necrosis within 24 h. After both NaHCO3 and NH4Cl infusions, the majority of the load had been transferred to the intracellular compartment within 2 h. From there it was excreted slowly, presumably by transfer back through the extracellular compartment. Due to the relative compartment volumes and buffer values, the change in intracellular pH was less than 0.05 units, while the blood pH was changed by as much as 0.3 units.

ANTIPROTOZOAN IMMUNIZATION STUDIES IN THE CHANNEL CATFISH, Ictalurus punctatus

ABSTRACTThe antigenic relation between Tetrahymena pyriformis (Ehrenberg, 1830) Lwoff, 1947 and Ichthyophthirius multifiliis Fouquet 1876 was investigated using various in vitro immunologic tests. Tomites of I. multifiliis exposed to dilutions of rabbit anti‐tetrahymena serum were immobilized in 24 hours. Tetrahymena in this test system were agglutinated at low dilutions and immobilized at higher dilutions. Using an indirect fluorescent antibody test, both organisms showed fluorescence when treated with either rabbit anti‐tetrahymena serum or anti‐tomite serium. In heterologous crosses, titers of 1:1024 were obtained using the passive hemagglutination test. These results indicate than an antigenic relationship does exist between these two organisms, cross‐reacting antigens appearing to be localized on the cilia.Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque were immunized with ciliary and whole cell preparations of I. multifiliis and subsequently challenged with I. multifiliis. Similar T. pyriformis preparations were used to determine if this heterologous immunization would elicit a protective immune response against I. multifiliis infestation. Results indicate that various degrees of protective immunity were induced with all antigen preparations. T. pyriformis ciliary antigens provided the greatest degree of protection. Four doses of antigen, ranging from 25 μg to 1.0 μg were used to determine if the immunizing dosage influenced the degree of protective immunity conferred.

In vivo and in vitro anaphylactic type reactions in fish

Anaphylactic type reactions occurred in channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque) and goldfish ( Carassius auratus L.) following immunization and challenge with several protein antigens. The reactions were specific for the sensitizing antigen and could be passively transferred to non-sensitized recipients with serum from sensitized fish. In channel catfish the reaction consisted of disorientation, vertical swimming, increased opercular movement and gasping. In the goldfish the reaction consisted of clamping of the fins except the pectorals, loss of equilibrium, and increased defecation. Some deaths occurred with the catfish. The effects of various concentrations of histamine on the rhythmicity and tonus of goldfish and catfish intestinal smooth muscle were also measured in vitro. Isolated intestinal sections were maintained in a Schultz-Dale chamber which was connected to a physiograph. Serum dilutions of histamine, ranging from 100 g to 1000 g were tested. A dose response was observed.

Testicular and Spermatozoal Characteristics of Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, outside the Spawning Season

Abstract Several testicular and spermatological parameters of 48 male channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque) were studied during 6 months (November through April) outside the spawning season. Two stocks (a domestic and a wild one) and within each stock 2- and 3-year-old fish were compared. Within age-groups, the domestic fish were considerably larger than the wild ones. In each stock, the 3-year-olds outgrew the 2-year-olds. The testes consisted of a white spermatogenic and pink glandular part, averaging 1.14 and 0.56 g respectively. A significant increase in both parts was noticed in March, continuing during April. One 3-year-old male in each stock was azoospermic, even though these fish had well developed testes and exhibited secondary sexual characteristics. Viable sperm was present in every month at an average rate of 73.2% of the spermatozoa. The majority was in progressive motion with some vibrating in loco. The gonosomatic index averaged only 0.22%, and reached a peak value of 0.32% in A...

Five new species of Henneguya (Protozoa: Myxosporida) from ictalurid fishes.

Four new species of Henneguya (myxosporidan) are described from Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque (channel catfish). They are as follows: Henneguya postexilis sp. n. and Henneguya longicauda sp. n. from the gills; Henneguya adiposa sp. n. from the adipose fin; and Henneguya diversis sp. n. from the liver, kidney, connective tissue of muscles and fins, and tumor-like external growths. Henneguya pellis sp. n. is described from the dermis of Ictalurus furcatus (LeSueur) (blue catfish). The development stages of all described species are discussed. Henneguya exilis Kudo was found on the gills of one I. punctatus; notes on its spore characteristics are presented.

Renal excretion in channel catfish following injection of quinaldine sulphate or 3‐ trifluoromethyl‐4‐nitrophenol

Channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque, injected intraperitoneally with 2‐methyl‐quinoline sulphate (QdSO4) or 3‐trifluoromethyl‐4‐nitrophenol (TFM) eliminate most of the dose of these compounds by extra‐renal routes. Patterns of renal excretion of Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and Cl− (ρEq kg−1 h−1) appeared to be associated with the ‘stress’ of the urine collection technique rather than with the elimination of either compound. Concentrations of Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and Cl− (mEq/1) were determined in urine, plasma and gall bladder bile.

A FIELD EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF HEATED DISCHARGES ON FISH DISTRIBUTION1

ABSTRACT. Studies were conducted to determine the distribution of fish in the New and East Rivers in relation to thermal discharges from Appalachian Power Company's fossil fuel plant at Glen Lyn, Virginia. Over 15,300 specimens representing 41 species were collected with seines, electrogear and rotenone at six sampling locations from February, 1973 to October 1973. Sampling frequency was designed to evaluate the effects of ambient temperature upon preferred temperature. Diversity indices were calculated for each location. There was a slight decrease in the diversity indices for those stations located in the thermal discharge. Condition coefficients calculated for Notropis albeolus Jordan, Notropis rubellus Aqasaiz, Notropis spilopterus Cope, Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque, and Etheostoma blennioides Rafuesque were found to be significantly (p =.05) lower in the thermal discharge for all species tested except E. blennioides. Temperatures were plotted against frequency of capture to determine a particular species temperature selection from field data and indicated that: (1) Some species avoided high temperatures (i.e., Curnpostoma anomalum Rafuesque). (2) Some species were attracted to high temperatures (i.e., Ictalurus punctatus). (3) Some species distribution was not effected by temperatures (i.e., Notropis spilopterus).

Aquatic Midge Larvicides, Their Efficacy and Residues in Water, Soil, and Fish in a Warm-Water Lake1

To study the efficacy of chemical larvicides; several materials were evaluated in two warm-water southern California artificial lakes, (Lake Calabasas and Westlake) and the residues of an effective larvicide (chlorpyrifos) in various components of one of the lakes were investigated. Abate® ( O,O' -(thiodi- p -phenylene) O,O,O',O' -tetramethyl phosphorothioate) gave excellent control of Chironomine midges ( Chironomus and Dicrotendipes spp.) but only mediocre or poor control of the smaller Tanypodine midges ( Cricotopus and Tanypus spp.). Carbaryl yielded poor control of both groups, and fenitrothion yielded good control of both groups at a higher rate of application. Chlorpyrifos gave excellent control of both groups of midges. It was more effective against the Chironomine larvae. This material at 0.2 lb active ingredients per acresurface yielded complete control of Chironomine midges for 12 weeks or longer, but suppressed the Tanypodine larvae for only 7–8 weeks. Residues of chlorpyrifos (used as 2% granules) were generally higher in the bottom water, even though maximum residues in both layers reached 0.6 ppb. Residues were much higher in the mud, reaching a mean maximum of 0.3 parts per million in the top 1-inch section of mud samples, but only traces were found in the remaining section of the mud. Maximum residues in water were obtained one day after treatment, declining to below 0.1 ppb within 4 weeks after treatment. The maximum residues in the mud were obtained one week after treatment, declining to below 0.1 ppm in 28 days. Slightly higher levels of residues were found in water and mud when the whole lake was treated. Bottom-dwelling and -frequenting fish, such as channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque) and, to some extent, black crappie ( Pomoxis nigromaculatus LeSueur), contained much higher quantities of chlorpyrifos than the nonbottom dwelling fish such as largemouth bass ( Micropterus salmoides Lacepede) and bluegill ( Lepomis microchirus Rafinesque). Mean maximum residues in channel catfish and black crappie were 0.8 and 0.5 ppm after 3 and 2 weeks posttreatment, respectively, declining to barely detectable levels 25 days after treatment. The residues in largemouth bass and bluegill were minimal, with maximum approaching 0.2 ppm but remaining 0.1 or below this level most of the time.

Fatty Acids of Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

Representative samples of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque) were obtained from five processing plants and analyzed by gas–liquid chromatography for fatty acid composition of muscle tissues. Twenty-three fatty acids were measured. The saturated fatty acids comprised 26.5%, monoenes 48.1%, dienes 13.0%, trienes 3.1%, tetraenes 3.6%, pentaenes 1.3%, and hexaenes 1.9% of total fatty acids. Fatty acid composition varied significantly (P <.01) among fish obtained from the same plant, and in addition, significant variation associated with processing plant was observed for some fatty acids.

The Effect of Zinc and Copper on the Osmolality of Blood Serum of the Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque, and Golden Shiner, Notemigonus crysoleucas Mitchill

Abstract A new, and possibly primary, effect of heavy metals on fishes is described. It is demonstrated that heavy metals so affect fishes as to cause a drop in the salt concentration in the blood serum. This change in the ionic content of the blood can cause the fish to become weakened, and pronounced change can be fatal. Salt changes in the blood were monitored by osmometry. The effects of both zinc and copper were evaluated.

Some Effects of a Neutral Mixture of Calcium Oxide and Sulfuric Acid on Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque)

The Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant (S.A.A.P.), operated by the Hercules Powder Company at Sunflower, Johnson County, Kansas, discharges waste containing sulfuric acid neutralized with slaked lime into Kill Creek, a tributary of the Kansas River. Channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), are indigenous to both streams. Twelve channel catfish, kept in a synthetic waste approximating that of S.A.A.P., died within two days when a suspended solids concentration of 24,200-30,400 mg/1 was maintained by vigorous aeration. Ten out of 15 channel catfish survived in synthetic waste for the 22-28 day duration of the experiments when a suspended solids concentration of 367-509 mg/l was maintained by moderate aeration. Eleven of 12 catfish survived 22-28 days in synthetic waste from which all settleable solids were removed, and 17 of 22 catfish kept in tapwater as controls survived 22-28 days. No significant mortality occurred among Notropis lutrensis, Notropis umbratilis, Lepomis cyanellus, Gambusia affinis, and Ictalurus melas kept in synthetic waste during preliminary tests. Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science, Vol. 72, No. 1, 1969. Published June 11, 1969.

Increasing Size of Fingerling Channel Catfish by Supplemental Feeding

Many state conservation departments have been stocking fingerling channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), in farm ponds and lakes. As a result, this species has become a favorite sport fish in many waters of central and southern United States. Swingle (1958) indicated the feasibility of growing fingerling channel catfish to marketable size in fertilized and unfertilized ponds by supplemental feeding of dry pelleted feeds. Prather (1959) stocked a 12.4-acre lake with fingerling channel catfish at 2,000 per acre and fed pelleted feed. Fishermen harvested 1,295.5 pounds of fish per acre or 62 percent of the total production. An additional 391.2 pounds per acre was obtained when the lake was drained. Tiemeier and Elder (1960) reported on the recovery of stunted channel catfish with a supplemental feeding program and Tiemeier (1962 in press) discussed results of preliminary feeding experiments on fingerling channel catfish. The present paper compares results in 1960 and 1961 of feeding experiments. It has not been definitely established why some clear lakes in Kansas have not produced enough channel catfish by natural spawning to provide continued good fishing. Presumably few small fish escape their predators. Stocking fingerling channel catfish in clear lakes that contain some large channel catfish and populations of other fishes has not improved the channel catfish harvest because the fingerling fish did not survive.

Daily Movement of Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), in a Farm Pond

Daily Movement of Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), in a Farm Pond

Some Parasites of Catfishes from Kansas

The study here reported on was undertaken to gain specific knowledge of parasites of the channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), black bullhead, I. melas (Rafinesque), and yellow bullhead, I. natalis (LeSueur), in rivers, creeks lakes, and ponds of northeastern Kansas. The members of the genus Ictalurus were chosen for this study because they are widely distributed in the state and this extensive distribution permits a study of parasitism in various ecological situations in each season of the year. In addition, the channel catfish is sought by fishermen as a game-fish and a knowledge of its parasites could prove valuable to persons engaged in fisheries research.