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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stuttgart, Arkansas » Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Cntr » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #260075
Title: The effectiveness of repeated tank treatments of copper sulfate and formalin on gill flukes and Ich in naturally infested white bass

Author
item Farmer, Bradley
item Mitchell, Andrew
item BULLARD, STEVEN - Auburn University

Submitted to: Book of Abstracts Aquaculture America
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/23/2010
Publication Date: 3/2/2011
Citation: Farmer, B.D., Mitchell, A.J., Bullard, S.A. 2011. The effectiveness of repeated tank treatments of copper sulfate and formalin on gill flukes and Ich in naturally infested white bass [abstract]. Aquaculture America 2011: Aquaculture on Parade, February 28-March 3, 2011, New Orleans, Lousiana. p.148.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Ectoparasites infesting the gills of juvenile fish reared in tanks can cause serious fish losses. Multiple treatments of formalin and copper sulfate (CuSO4) were evaluated for effectiveness against a natural infestation of gill flukes Onchocleidus mimus (Monogenoidea: Ancyrocephalidae) and Ichthyophthirius multifiliis on juvenile white bass Morone chrysops. Treatments were applied as one hour static baths and then subsequently flushed. Parasite load was assessed 20-24 h post-treatment. White bass fingerlings were stocked randomly into 12 tanks (20 tank), and there were 4 replicates of each treatment including: non-treated controls, fish treated with 100 mg/L formalin, and fish treated with 3.0 mg/L CuSO4. Treatments were repeated five times at 2 d intervals. Mortality was minimal throughout the experiment and effectiveness was assessed on parasite load per sample area (2.25 cm2). Formalin and CuSO4 treatments significantly lowered the infestation rate of gill flukes after five treatments (98.2 % and 71.2%, respectively as compared to the control). No differences were observed in the parasite load of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis; the rate of infestation decreased over the study period regardless of treatment.