Abstract
Channel catfish grow fastest and are healthiest when reared under an optimal set of environmental conditions. When any factor deviates from the optimum, the general well-being of the fish is affected. Fish respond to suboptimal conditions (stressors) by modifying metabolism or behavior in an attempt to adapt to the new conditions. Initial reactions (stress responses) include release of hormones that prepare the animal for emergency action by mobilizing energy reserves and increasing respiratory efficiency. If stress is severe or maintained over a long period, the capacity of the fish to adapt is exceeded and some of the initial responses may actually have deleterious consequences. The ultimate results of severe or prolonged stress include reduced growth, impaired immunity to infectious disease organisms, poor reproductive success, or death (Pickering 1981).
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© 1990 Springer Science+Business Media New York
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Tucker, C.S., Robinson, E.H. (1990). Environmental Requirements. In: Channel Catfish Farming Handbook. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-1376-3_5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-1376-3_5
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