Anterior kidney phagocytes from channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) exposed to 10 and 24 degrees C from 1 day to 5 weeks were assayed for phagocytic ability and respiratory burst activity to Aeromonas hydrophila and Edwardsiella ictaluri. 2. The results of this study indicated that phagocytosis in channel catfish remained partially functional at low temperature without adaptation, although partial suppression was observed. 3. Adaptation to low temperature did lead to an improvement in the respiratory burst which would imply improved bacterial killing ability. 4. Our study suggests that phagocytosis may play a significant role in preventing disease at low environmental temperature.
