Summary
Hundreds of dead fish have been found at Lake Apopka in Florida, mainly due to cold weather stressing the fish. Florida wildlife officials warn that similar events might happen elsewhere as the cold weather continues. Most of the dead fish are tilapia, a non-native species.
Key Facts
- Several hundred dead fish, mostly tilapia, were found at Lake Apopka near Winter Garden, Florida.
- The deaths are caused by recent cold weather, which stresses fish and weakens their immune systems.
- This is not the first time Lake Apopka has experienced a large fish die-off due to cold weather.
- Tilapia are non-native but help control algae and aquatic plants, so their loss can affect the ecosystem.
- Since February 1, over 450 fish kill reports have been made across Florida, affecting both freshwater and saltwater fish.
- Residents in Florida have also noticed cold weather causing iguanas to fall from trees.
- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) advises reporting fish kills and warns against handling dead wildlife.
- Officials state the event is not linked to pollution, and natural processes will eventually clear the dead fish.
