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Cataracts Observed In Red Drum

Stock Enhancement Research Facility (SERF) observed cataracts in hatchery-raised redfish in 2005

Researchers at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Stock Enhancement Research Facility (SERF) observed cataracts in hatchery-raised redfish in 2005. Cataracts are a general condition of the eye that results in partial or complete opacity of the lens or its capsule.*

Upon detecting these cataracts, biologists conducted a small-scale survey in Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor and the St. Lucie waterway to determine whether cataracts could be observed in wild fish. Though cataract development occurs naturally, the rate of occurrence at SERF was higher than in wild fish.

There are many kinds of cataracts that can be caused by a number of factors, including parasites, mechanical damage, and changes in temperature, nutrition, contaminants and salinity. Due to the wide variety of factors that could play a role in cataract development, researchers may be unable to isolate a cause. FWC biologists continue to investigate cataracts in red fish.

*Slatter, D.  1990.  Fundamentals of Veterinary Ophthamology, 2nd ed.  WB Saunders Company.  Philadelphia, PA.  p. 116.







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