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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #319383
Research Project: Health Management, Disease Prevention and Control Strategies in Catfish Aquaculture

Location: Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit

Title: Histological and computed tomographic evaluation of a parasitic conjoined twin in hybrid catfish (Ictalurus punctatus [rafinesque] X Ictalurus furcatus [lesueur])

Author
item LEECH, C - Mississippi State University
item THOMAS, M - Mississippi State University
item COOLEY, A - Mississippi State University
item Waldbieser, Geoffrey - Geoff
item Bosworth, Brian
item Torrans, Eugene
item KHOO, L - Mississippi State University

Submitted to: Journal of Fish Diseases
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/20/2013
Publication Date: 5/15/2014
Citation: Leech, C.A., Thomas, M.W., Cooley, A.J., Waldbieser, G.C., Bosworth, B.G., Torrans, E.L., Khoo, L.H. 2014. Histological and computed tomographic evaluation of a parasitic conjoined twin in hybrid catfish (Ictalurus punctatus [rafinesque] X Ictalurus furcatus [lesueur]). Journal of Fish Diseases. 37:521-526.

Interpretive Summary: A conjoined twin in hybrid catfish was reported. It was analyzed by computed radiography, computed tomography as well as histologically. Genetic analysis done revealed that the twins were derived from the same egg.

Technical Abstract: There is growing use of hybrid catfish (Ictalurus punctatus ' X Ictalurus furcatus ') in commercial aquaculture to utilize hybrid vigour to improve production A conjoined twin specimen found during the course of production studies by the United States Department of Agriculture Catfish Genetic Research Unit (USDACGRU) was submitted to the Aquatic Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (ARDL). After preliminary inspection, it was transported to Mississippi State University, College of Veterinary Medicine for further evaluation. The specimen was examined using both computed radiography and computed tomography antemortem. Following humane euthanasia, the specimen was examined both grossly and histologically. Tissues from both fish were also submitted for genetic analysis to determine whether twins were derived from the same egg. This report records the presentation and examination of a pair of conjoined hybrid catfish (I. punctatus X Ictalurus furcatus).