So far this year I have noticed a few of my fish have strange sores on them. Its only about 5% of the fish population we have caught but here are some pictures of the sores.
What do you think it is? Should I take these fish out? Can we eat these fish or should I dispose of them?
Hi Saint878, I'm just a rookie in the pond world, but have fished all my life. I'd definitely get the pros to look at them, but it looks to me like there's a possibility that you may have a parasite problem (I.E.......flukes, flat worms), having the infection centered around the mouths of the fish in your attachment photos. Perhaps the Wildlife and Fisheries Dept in your state or a local college could shed some light. Please post what you find out.... Stickem'
...as for eating the fish......filleting them, dredging them through a seasoned cornmeal mixture, and submerging them in 400 degree oil for 5-10 minutes, I personally would not shy away from that meal...then again, I am originally from south Louisiana and haven't backed away from much...but thats me... Stickem'
It could also be handling stress from being caught before.
Bend down the barbs on the hooks and that will allow you to release the fish quicker, also don't drag them over the ground. It removes their slime coat, which is a protectant for their skin.
After a bath in hot oil I wouldn't be worried about eating them.
Could be any number of bacterium of the aeromonas or pseudomonas genus that are opportunistic (ubiquitous) in the water,and only detrimental to a fish if it's been stressed, such as poor handling, hook damage etc., which is what esshup said. Other stressors are poor water quality, to many fish in a pond, rapid temperature changes etc.
The name of the game in keeping healthy fish is to minimize stress as much as possible. Just like us if we're stressed our immune system is compromised.
That small of incidence shouldn't be a concern.
Last edited by Cecil Baird1; 08/31/1410:06 PM.
If pigs could fly bacon would be harder to come by and there would be a lot of damaged trees.
