Tilapia die-off in Maricopa lakes due to cold weather

Dec 30, 2015

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tilapia-die-off — The Maricopa Parks Maintenance crew cleans out the dead fish on a daily basis. Submitted

One of the consequences of winter weather in Maricopa is the die-off of warm-water fish in the lakes.

Resident Tarajee Taylor noted tilapia floating in the lake at Pacana Park. See her video

Parks Manager Mike Riggs said his department is sent notification from the Arizona Game & Fish Department regarding the annual tilapia die-off. Game & Fish stocks area lakes.

“The Park Maintenance staff has been asked to remove floating fish daily,” he said.

The Game & Fish notice informs park visitors: “These warm water fish, native to Africa, cannot tolerate cold water temperatures below 55 degrees. When lake temperatures fall below 55° F, then tilapia most often die. This situation occurs during normal or cold winters and generally lasts a few weeks to a month.”

The notice also states there is no public health risk and the water is safe for other, cold-water fish.

For more information, call the Maricopa parks office at 520-316-4630 or Game & Fish at 602-942-3000.