ABSTRACT
The ornamental fish industry is growing quickly globally. Asia represents 51% of the export market for this industry and in Singapore alone, it has an estimated market value of US$66 million. Despite the economic importance of this industry for Australasia, aquatic veterinary support for the ornamental fish sector is scarce. In many cases, ornamental fish owners do not seek advice from veterinarians. While the reasons behind this are difficult to elucidate, the low perceived value of fish compared to the cost of consulting a veterinarian, and limited knowledge about the availability of veterinary services for aquatic animals may contribute to the lack of interaction with veterinarians. Considering the growing importance of the ornamental fish industry, more education and data are needed about the services offered by veterinarians with aquatic animal health expertise. Knowledge on aquatic veterinary medicine is limited, reinforcing the need for more educational programmes and dissemination of aquatic veterinary services within the Australasian region.
Subject(s)
Animal Husbandry/methods , Fish Diseases/psychology , Fisheries , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Veterinarians/psychology , Animals , Australasia , Fish Diseases/prevention & control , Fish Diseases/therapy , Fishes , Humans , Surveys and Questionnaires , Veterinary Medicine/methodsABSTRACT
Freshwater fish farming contributes to more than two-thirds of global aquaculture production. Parasitic ciliates are one of the largest causes of production loss in freshwater farmed fishes, with species from the genus Chilodonella being particularly problematic. While Chilodonella spp. include 'free-living' fauna, some species are involved in mortality events of fish, particularly in high-density aquaculture. Indeed, chilodonellosis causes major productivity losses in over 16 species of farmed freshwater fishes in more than 14 countries. Traditionally, Chilodonella species are identified based on morphological features; however, the genus comprises yet uncharacterized cryptic species, which indicates the necessity for molecular diagnostic methods. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the biology, ecology and geographic distribution of harmful Chilodonella spp. and examines pathological signs, diagnostic methods and treatments. Recent advances in molecular diagnostics and the ability to culture Chilodonella spp. in vitro will enable the development of preventative management practices and sustained freshwater fish aquaculture production.
