Abstract
The Asian fish tapework (Bothriocephalus acheilognathi) has been widely introduced beyond its native range into several localities across the USA, largely via the aquaculture of imported Cyprinids. This tapeworm can infect a wide range of fishes, and is considered pathogenic, particularly in small-bodied or juvenile fishes. Consequently there is significant concern over the potential of this parasite to escape from aquaculture sites and subsequently infect native fishes. Fish acquire B. acheilognathi when they consume infected copepods, which acquire the parasite when they consume larvae recently hatched from the feces of infected fishes. Thus, fish cultured in ponds and feeding on copepods are more likely to be infected with B. acheilognathi than those cultured in tanks given pelleted feed. Poeciliids are commercially important fishes cultured in ponds throughout Florida for the aquarium trade. Native to Asia, they are also known to be suitable hosts for B. acheilgnathi. However, infection rates of B. acheilognathi in Florida-cultured Poeciliids remain unknown. To address this knowledge gap, we purchased 30 fishes (10 molly, 10 platy, 10 swordtail) from a local aquarium supply company, and examined them for parasites. We confirmed the presence of B. acheilognathi in molly (mean intensity=1; prevalence = 30%), but not in other Poeciliids. The only other parasite detected was the Acanthocephalan Neoechinorynchus sp., in platy (mean intensity = 1; prevalence = 20%). Thus, although commercially available Poeciliids typically have few or no parasites, we confirm that molly host B. acheilgnathi. The potential risk this poses to native fishes requires further study.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Christopher Blanar
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-4-2014 1:00 PM
End Date
4-4-2014 5:30 PM
Infection Rates of Asian Fish Tapeworm (Bothriocephalus acheilognathi) in Three Commercially Available Poeciliid Fishes (Molly, Platy, and Swordtail)
Alvin Sherman Library
The Asian fish tapework (Bothriocephalus acheilognathi) has been widely introduced beyond its native range into several localities across the USA, largely via the aquaculture of imported Cyprinids. This tapeworm can infect a wide range of fishes, and is considered pathogenic, particularly in small-bodied or juvenile fishes. Consequently there is significant concern over the potential of this parasite to escape from aquaculture sites and subsequently infect native fishes. Fish acquire B. acheilognathi when they consume infected copepods, which acquire the parasite when they consume larvae recently hatched from the feces of infected fishes. Thus, fish cultured in ponds and feeding on copepods are more likely to be infected with B. acheilognathi than those cultured in tanks given pelleted feed. Poeciliids are commercially important fishes cultured in ponds throughout Florida for the aquarium trade. Native to Asia, they are also known to be suitable hosts for B. acheilgnathi. However, infection rates of B. acheilognathi in Florida-cultured Poeciliids remain unknown. To address this knowledge gap, we purchased 30 fishes (10 molly, 10 platy, 10 swordtail) from a local aquarium supply company, and examined them for parasites. We confirmed the presence of B. acheilognathi in molly (mean intensity=1; prevalence = 30%), but not in other Poeciliids. The only other parasite detected was the Acanthocephalan Neoechinorynchus sp., in platy (mean intensity = 1; prevalence = 20%). Thus, although commercially available Poeciliids typically have few or no parasites, we confirm that molly host B. acheilgnathi. The potential risk this poses to native fishes requires further study.
