Parasites of goppy fish (Poecilla reticulata) in Isfahan Province

Objective: Ornamental fish are of increasing economic importance worldwide taking into account the continuous trade involving several species that are either exported or imported from a couple of countries, mostly from Asia. Parasite infection has became the most problematic of Ornamental fishes in the world. In this study parasitic infection of one of the most frequently ornamental fish species Poecilla reticulata (guppy) was investigated. Method & Materials: 500 fish were taken from fish farms of Isfahan Province. Fish were anaesthetized in a solution of Benzocaine, pithed, killed and parasitological examination undertaken. Parasites were observed and measured fresh, then permanently mounted where possible. Nematodes were fixed in Berland’s fixative and post-fixed in 10% formalin. Ciliates were preserved in Bouin’s fixative. Specimens were dehydrated in methanol for 7 seconds, stained in Hemacolor for 3 seconds, distained in HCl for 5 seconds, and mounted in Depex. Results & Conclusion: The nematode C. cotti has an anterior buccal capsule that is laterally compressed and composed of 2 valves and a basal ring. The ciliate, T. corlissi had a pyriform body that measured 35 - 63 mm long and 18 - 41 mm wide. Parasitic infections were found in Iran and other countries. Parasite prevalence was uniformly high. Treatments for related parasites are widely available and the prevalence of parasites in Iran would be reduced by treating fish prior to transportation or upon arrival in our country. There are potentially large numbers of unknown and undescribed parasites being transported world wide with the trade of ornamental fish.

کلیدواژه ها:

ornamental fish ، Poecilla reticulata (guppy) ، parasites species ، Camallanus cotti ، Tetrahymena corlissi