Infestation of Dactylogyrus minutus (Monogenoidea: Dactylogyridae) on tropically raised koi (Cyprinus carpio). | [Proceedings of Parasitology • 2006]

Author(s):

1. Gary K. Hironaka: Brigham Young University Department of Integrative Biology, 115H CLFB, Provo, UT, USA

2. Richard A. Heckmann: Brigham Young University Department of Integrative Biology, 115H CLFB, Provo, UT, USA

3. Steve Agbor: Brigham Young University Department of Integrative Biology, 115H CLFB, Provo, UT, USA

4. Jeremy Lamb: Brigham Young University Department of Integrative Biology, 115H CLFB, Provo, UT, USA

Abstract:

During the summer of the year 2002 ectoparasites including Dactylogyrus minutus (Monogenea) caused a high mortality in the population of koi, the ornamental variety of carp, raised on a fish farm in Payson, Utah (USA). This parasite infests gill filaments of the fish host via barb like structures (hooks and anchors) located at the posterior end of the parasite. Once attached, reproduction takes place. This genus of Monogenea is hermaphroditic however cross fertilization is still necessary (Hoffman 1999). After the mass die off of koi carp in Payson, research was initiated to discover the cause of the die off at two laboratories. Results show that there was no visible pathological damage, but it is evident after observing microscopic sections that koi with highly infested gill filaments can die. Currently very little is known about the adverse affects caused by the Monogenea on its fish host (Stoskopf 1993 and Bauer 1987). Over the past year we have continued to research on the same species of Dactylogyrus (Dactylogyridae). The primary objective is to gather more data and information concerning the pathological effects of this ectoparasite. Two batches of koi transported by air from Hawaiian koi carp ponds were received. The first shipment of fish contained 100 specimens, and the second 30. The first batch contained very high numbers of Dactylogyrids. This high infestation allowed us to collect several hundred specimens, which were fixed in a solution of 10% buffered formalin for sectioning and 2.5% buffered glutaraldehyde for further research. Specimens were prepared to determine species of Monogenea. We have also collected digital images using light (LM) and electron microscopy (EM). Currently there is a paucity of data pertaining to the electron microscopy of this group of parasites.

Page(s): 41-51

DOI: DOI not available

Published: Journal: Proceedings of Parasitology, Volume: 41, Issue: 0, Year: 2006

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