Lack of host-specific cell cultures necessitated initiation of primary cell cultures from ictalurid catfish. Cell cultures from the fin tissues of hybrid catfish ( channel catfish x blue catfish) were developed, characterized, and species of origin molecularly authenticated. Blue catfish alloherpesvirus (BCAHV) is an Ictalurid herpesvirus. When BCAHV was inoculated onto various fish cell lines from different families, the cytopathic effects were restricted to cell lines from family Ictaluridae indicating the host-specificity of virus. A virus challenge using channel, blue, and hybrid catfish indicated mortality due to BCAHV was significantly higher in blue and hybrid catfish. Crowding influenced BCAHV pathogenesis indicated by significantly higher mortality in highly stocked tanks. Host susceptibility to BCAHV differed with age. Temperature had a significant role in the activation and pathogenesis of BCAHV. The enhanced virulence of BCAHV in blue and hybrid catfish reveals its potential to be a significant pathogen in catfish culture.