The Brief
- Unseasonably cold temperatures are putting thousands of tropical fish at risk throughout Tampa Bay.
- Fish farmers say that water temperatures dropping below 65 degrees can stress or kill tropical species.
- Widespread losses could lead to shortages of certain fish and higher prices at pet stores.
RIVERVIEW, Fla. – Another night of unseasonably cold temperatures across the Tampa Bay area is threatening thousands of tropical fish. Fish farmers say the prolonged chill could lead to losses that take months to bounce back from.
What we know:
Dan Conner, the owner of Consolidated Fish Farms, says his staff has been scrambling to protect sensitive species. He says every forecast brings new challenges for deciding how to protect fish, spread across dozens of ponds.…