Thread: Crappie Disease?

A lot of the fish out of LOP have that also don't know what it is .

Pcutch, Welcome to C.C! The condition on those pretty babies is reffered to as "louse" or fish lice. These argulids(I think it is spelled right), get under the scales of fish and cause irritation to the skin. The fish then attempt to dislodge the parasites by rubbing or "flashing" their affected area(s) against a hard object or lake bottom. This actually makes the condition worse because it now opens the skin making it easier for other parasites to adhere to the wound and also promotes fungi growth. Most say the fish is still edible, however I would recommend making cat food out of them instead of consuming or returning them back to the water especially if it is near the spawn. My belief is it can affect the fry as well. Tight lines from slab boss

Welcome to the board!

Yep there are plenty of crappie in LOP with that condition. I usually fillet them last and look to see if the meat is affected by the condition if so they go in the can.

Here's the response I got from Richard Ott of TPWD in Tyler:

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Hey Paul, it’s good to hear from you again. The crappie in your photos exhibit a disease called Columnaris. Columnaris results from an infection by the bacteria (Flavobacterium columnare). The red eroded area in the center of the lesion is from the bacteria and the white foamy area around the central lesion is a secondary fungal infection. The disease is endemic in nearly all fish populations and manifests itself any time the fish’s immune system is suppressed from external factors such as rapid temperature change or spawning stress. Frequently the lesions occur where the fish has been previously handled and the slime was rubbed off (this is why it is always better for the fish to handle it with wet hands). Although the disease is contagious between fishes it is not harmful to humans – the fish may still be eaten if properly prepared. It is also a disease that is more common when fish are crowded together or when numbers are high. This is one of natures ways of keeping populations in balance.

[FONT='Arial','sans-serif']Generally fish are not so stressed by the disease that they stop feeding (obviously if you caught it). As long as the fish continue to feed they usually are able to recover.

With your permission I would like to include your photos in my library of fish disease images.

Richard A. Ott, Jr.
Natural Resources Specialist VI
Inland Fisheries District 3C – Tyler

That's good to know! Thanks

Well looks like they need to up the limit's to many in one pile ? ! .

Not trying to change the subject, but did anyone else notice the quality of those pics.... Stellar !!

I've caught a few with that condition.. I've always thought it was caused by an injury (most likely from cormorants, Eagrets or Loons) that creates a sore for the fungus etc. to start.. I catch a lot of fish with a "beak mark" injury..

Great Thread.. Thanks

Great thread! Never seen that before! Great pics!