Diseases diagnosed in tropical ornamental fish from hatcheries in Uruguay

I. Parasitosis

Abstract

Ornamental fish have now been integrated as pets in veterinary clinics, demanding knowledge of both maintenance and their commonly occurring pathologies, among veterinarians. This study aims to identify diseases affecting such fishes in Uruguay. Forty four epizooties were studied, as occurred on tropical ornamental fish farms, resulting in the identification of the folllwing parasites: Ichtyobodo necator, Piscinoodinium pillulare, Hexamita sp., Spironucleus elegans, Ichthyophthrius multifiliis, Trichodina sp., Gyrodactylus sp., Dactilogiridos, Camallanus sp. and unidentified nematodes. Most frequently occurring parasites, in decreasing order, were dactilogirosis (gill worms), gyrodactylosis (skin worms), protozoan contagious skin opacity, ichthyopththiriasis (white spot disease) and intestinal protozoosis. Multiple parasitic infestation was predominant (72%) over single type. The results obtained were compared with previous investigations and with those of other authors.