In-Situ Investigation of Copepod Predators of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis Theronts from Fish-Farming Pond.

ABSTRACT: Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, a parasitic ciliate, causes "white spot disease" in freshwater fish and poses a significant threat to global freshwater aquaculture. Eliminating the free-swimming theront stage from the aquaculture environment is a critical measure for controlling I. multifiliis infections. The natural predator of I. multifiliis theronts in fish-farming ponds were identified using fluorescent dye-labelled live theronts and quantitative PCR; meanwhile, the zooplankton community composition in the positive ponds of I. multifiliis detected by quantitative PCR were analyzed by eDNA metabarcoding assay. The results revealed predation on theronts by cyclopoid copepods, including Cyclops vicinus, Thermocyclops taihokuensis, Cyclops sp.

SUBMITTER: Wang L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11767253 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature