Aquarium ornamental pet fish constitute a major segment in the pet industry, with the United States, Europe, and Japan dominating the market. There are approximately 1,500 marine fish species and over 4,500 freshwater fish species commercialized as aquarium ornamental pet fish. Fish are the fourth most common pet present in Brazilian homes. In Brazil, aquarium ornamental pet fish can be marketed and distributed from different parts of the Brazilian territory and the world. Commercialization and circulation of living animals without the use of adequate prophylactic management procedures enables dissemination of a number of agents responsible for infectious diseases. Aquarium pet fish can also carry pathogenic agents, of bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic etiology, that may have a zoonotic feature endangering the persons handling the animals. This review presents the main pathogenic infectious agents of bacterial, viral, andfungal etiology that affect aquarium pet fish, as well as the prevention and control measures to ensure sanitary excellence in this segment.

Objective: This cross-sectional study was conducted from April to July 2014 in Khartoum state, the Sudan, to investigate aerobic bacteria and fungi of skin lesions of fish in 3 different areas in Khartoum. Material and methods: A total of 50 samples were collected from the skin lesions of different types of fish including Synodontis species (n=17), Tilapia niloticus (n=15), Labeo niloticus (n=10), Hydrocynus species (n=4), and Clarias species (n=4). Liquid, semi-solid, and solid culture media like nutrient broth, blood agar, MacConkey agar, sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA), and Simmons citrate medium were used for the isolation and identification of bacteria and fungi. Besides, Gram staining and biochemical characterization were also conducted.Results: Culturing of the collected samples revealed growth of bacteria from all (100%), and growth of fungi could be found from 32% samples. A number of 188 bacteria were isolated, mainly Staphylococcus species, Bacillus species, Aeromonas species, Pseudomonas species, and Vibrio species. Besides, 16 fungi could be identified containing Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, and Phycomycete.Conclusion: Fishes with skin lesions are harboring many pathogenic bacteria and fungi and may act as a source of zoonotic infections and can transmit several pathogens to workers in fish industry and consumers. Therefore, thorough and strict routine inspection of fish is recommended to ensure safety and that there are no serious risks to consumers. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(4.000): 375-385]