Texas Parks and Wildlife fisheries biologists have concluded an investigation into a fish kill that took place from June 21-24 in the Paradise Cove area of Lake Texoma.
Biologists estimated the fish kill – in this small, sheltered cover near Denison – resulted in about 157,500 dead fish, of which 90 percent were small one-inch threadfin shad.
Other fish species affected were 9,122 freshwater drum fish and 1,332 crappie.
Water samples taken by biologists confirmed the presence of golden alga and elevated toxin levels in the lake.
Although not harmful to humans and other animals, the alga produce a toxin that affects gill-breathers such as fish, some amphibians, bivalves and plankton.
The toxin damages gill cells, and causes them to lose their ability to exchange water and absorb oxygen.
Smallmouth buffalo, channel catfish, white bass and goldeneye also were identified in the kill; although estimates are for less than 100 for each individual species.
No striped bass were believed affected by the event, and just one largemouth bass was killed. Read more in the July 1 Bowie News.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. (Logo provided by the TPWD, used with permission)