Fish discovered inside unusual tree trunks confound identification specialists and astound anglers with the unexpected discovery.

A team at Auburn University used genetic engineering to introduce the alligator cathelicidin gene to catfish, resulting in improved health and reduced disease risk for the catfish.

Microcides, found in the gut, are antimicrobial peptides that assist organisms in fighting diseases. The gene was added using the genome-editing technique CRISPR, which enhances the catfish’s disease resistance compared to wild catfish. The researchers even noted that the modified catfish had “two to five times higher” survival rates.

However, because the researchers added cathelicidin to the reproductive hormone gene, it also decreased the catfish’s fertility. This is believed to be important in preventing genetic contamination of wild catfish hybrids.

Although there is still some uncertainty about the use of CRISPR technology (primarily used and studied in mammals) in fish, researchers hope that alligator gene editing and catfish can be used in conjunction with other breeding techniques to help farmers achieve higher yields in livestock production.

In 2021, the United States is expected to produce approximately 140,000 tons of live catfish. Catfish also account for over 50 percent of the national demand for farmed fish. However, caring for this creature is resource-intensive. Due to limited space on fish farms, diseases often spread among catfish. About 45% of fish species die from infectious diseases. Fish, in general, are also becoming more resistant to antibiotics.

While consumers may be concerned about the idea of their catfish sharing genetic resources with American alligators, the researchers assure that the meat from the hybrid fish is completely safe.

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