In-Situ Investigation of Copepod Predators of <i>Ichthyophthirius multifiliis</i> Theronts from Fish-Farming Pond
<i>Ichthyophthirius multifiliis</i>, 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 <...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Microorganisms |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/1/38 |
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| Summary: | <i>Ichthyophthirius multifiliis</i>, 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>I. multifiliis</i> infections. The natural predator of <i>I. multifiliis</i> 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>I. multifiliis</i> detected by quantitative PCR were analyzed by eDNA metabarcoding assay. The results revealed predation on theronts by cyclopoid copepods, including <i>Cyclops vicinus</i>, <i>Thermocyclops taihokuensis</i>, <i>Cyclops</i> sp., <i>Thermocyclops</i> sp., <i>Eucyclops</i> sp., and <i>Mesocyclops</i> sp. from the in-situ predation aquatic ecosystem, and among these copepods, <i>C. vicinus</i> was identified as a natural dominant predator of <i>I. multifiliis</i>. This study provides a scientific basis for further exploration and utilization of natural predators to enhance sustainable and environmentally friendly control strategies against <i>I. multifiliis</i>. |
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| ISSN: | 2076-2607 |