Understanding the energy use of cultured juvenile catfishes at low temperatures

Authors: MCGREGOR, ABBY - Mississippi State University; COFFIN-RIVERA, MANUEL - Mississippi State University; ALLEN, PETER - Mississippi State University; MISCHKE, CHARLES - Mississippi State University

Submitted to: North American Journal of Aquaculture
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/15/2025
Publication Date: 11/19/2025
Citation: Mcgregor, A.J., Coffin-Rivera, M.E., Allen, P.J., Mischke, C.C. 2025. Understanding the energy use of cultured juvenile catfishes at low temperatures. North American Journal of Aquaculture. 88: (64-76). https://doi.org/10.1093/naaqua/vraf032.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/naaqua/vraf032

Interpretive Summary: Little is known about physiological capabilities of commercially-cultured catfish species in the US. Channel, blue, and hybrid catfish were compared for physiological performance at cool temperatures. Physiology of channel catfish differed from blue and hybrid catfish at cool temperatures, but all types of catfish compared had much lower performance at cool temperatures. Results provide important information for developing bioenergetic models that can guide future management efforts in the catfish aquaculture industry. This research supports the Secretary of Agriculture’s priorities of increasing profitability of farmers and creating new uses of U. S. agricultural products.

Technical Abstract: Objective: Cultured catfish are subjected to cold temperatures during winter, as aquaculture ponds are relatively shallow (<1.5 m) and experience seasonal thermal fluctuations. Cold temperatures reduce metabolic processes; however, little is known about comparative differences in metabolic rates, swimming performance, and blood metabolites among principal types of cultured catfish. Therefore, the objective of this study was to address this knowledge gap for catfish types used in the U.S. aquaculture industry. Methods: Standard metabolic rate, maximum metabolic rate, metabolic scope, critical swimming speed (Ucrit), and blood metabolites were analyzed at 10°C and 20°C in juvenile Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus, Blue Catfish I. furcatus, and hybrid catfish (Channel Catfish × Blue Catfish). Results: It was hypothesized that hybrid catfish would have greater metabolic and swimming performance than Channel and Blue catfishes across experimental temperatures due to heterosis. However, metabolic scope and Ucrit did not vary among fish types, but Ucrit was reduced among all fish types at 10°C. Lactate and glucose concentrations were higher and blood pH was lower in fatigued catfish, with Channel Catfish generally differing in blood metabolites from Blue and hybrid catfishes. Conclusions: Results indicate that prolonged exposure to cold temperatures limits metabolic processes and swimming capacity, ultimately requiring catfish to allocate energetic resources to maintenance metabolic requirements. Although no distinct comparative advantage was found for any of the catfish types at low temperature, long- term health and survival likely relate to energy stores accrued prior to and during exposure to cold temperatures. These findings provide useful comparative metrics to direct future efforts into investigating the physiological and environmental mechanisms affecting the catfish aquaculture industry.