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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stuttgart, Arkansas » Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Cntr » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #190798
Title: Comparison of copper sulfate concentrations to control ichthyophthiriasis in fingerling channel catfish

Author
item Straus, David - Dave

Submitted to: Journal of Applied Aquaculture
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/3/2007
Publication Date: 11/18/2008
Citation: Straus, D.L. 2008. Comparison of copper sulfate concentrations to control ichthyophthiriasis in fingerling channel catfish. Journal of Applied Aquaculture. 20(4):272-284.

Interpretive Summary: Young channel catfish with Ich (an external parasite common in aquariums) were held in 150 gallon fiberglass tanks filled with pond water and exposed to 0 (control tank), 1.1, 2.2, 3.3 or 4.4 ppm copper sulfate every other day for 4 treatments. Water temperature was about 18°C (64°F). Fish remained in the tanks for 10 days after treatment and mortalities were recorded. Results indicate that half of the normally recommended dose (1.1 ppm) is needed to control Ich under the conditions of this study. However, fish growers should be aware that successful copper sulfate treatment of Ich on channel catfish raised in ponds will be influenced by water chemistry and pond sediments.

Technical Abstract: Pond water was transported to tanks in a lab for evaluating the effect of copper sulfate (CuSO4) to control mortality associated with Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Fouquet). Juvenile channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque) were exposed to I. multifiliis-infested fish until immature trophonts developed. The fish were transferred to individual static fiberglass tanks filled with 600 L of pond water (total alkalinity and total hardness was 220 mg/L and 101 mg/L (as CaCO3), respectively) and were treated indefinitely with 0, 1.1, 2.2, 3.3 or 4.4 mg/L CuSO4 every other day for 4 treatments. Water temperature was maintained at 18 ± 1°C. Fish were observed for 10 days post-treatment and mortalities were recorded. Results indicate that half of the recommended dose (1.1 mg/L) is needed to effectively control an occurrence of Ichthyophthiriasis under the conditions of this study. However, fish culturists should be aware that effective CuSO4 treatment of Ichthyophthiriasis on channel catfish raised in ponds will be influenced by water chemistry characteristics and pond sediments.