Some pathogenic fungi parasitizing two exotic tropical ornamental fishes
2013
Iqbal, Z. (Punjab Univ., Lahore (Pakistan). Dept. of Zoology) | Sajjad, R. (Punjab Univ., Lahore (Pakistan). Dept. of Zoology)
The aim of this study was to investigate fungal infection in two tropical ornamental fishes koi, (Cyprinus carpio L.) and shubunkin (Carassius auratus L.). The fishes were obtained from pet shops in Lahore, Pakistan. The mean total length and mean body weight of koi (n=22) and shubunkin (n=18) were 99 mm, 11.4 g and 84 mm, 6.11 g, respectively. Koi and shubunkin showed 63.6 and 66.66% fungal infections respectively. Infected fishes had eroded scales, damaged caudal and pelvic fins, deep reddish gills and protruding eyes. Fungi isolated from infected parts of the body of the fishes were cultured on three different media; Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA), Malt extract agar (MEA) and Potato dextrose agar (PDA). The inoculated agar plates were incubated for 5-7 days at 28-30 degree C. White; black, grey and green fungal colonies appeared on agar plates. Four fungal species from three genera; Aspergillus spp., Mucor sp. and Rhizopus sp. were isolated from both fishes. Gills were the most affected areas in koi and shubunkin with 68 and 76% infection, respectively. The posterior part of the fishes had significantly higher infection than the anterior part (P=0.05). Aspergillus sp. was the most prevalent (66%) fungus infecting these fishes. The three fungal genera, Aspergillus, Mucor and Rhizopus isolated from koi and shubunkin are considered normal mycoflora. But still they cause infection, which may result in mortality of the fish and eventually economic loss to the aquarium fish industry.
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