Infestation of green tiger barb (Puntius tetrazona) with Capillaria sp. and Hexamita sp. Parasites in an ornamental fish farm

The green tiger barb (Puntius tetrazona) is a tropical ornamental fish, with great popularity in the aquarium trade and research. In an ornamental fish farm, losses of ۶ to ۱۲ per day were reported in green tiger barb juvenile aquariums. After examining the farm environment and aquarium water quality, fish samples were taken. Euthanasia was performed and after autopsy, wet smears from the skin, gill and intestine were taken. In microscopic examination of samples, internal parasites including Capillaria sp. and Hexamita sp. was detected from two different aquariums. Based on references, treatment with levamisole for Capillaria sp. and metronidazole for Hexamita sp. was started, which was associated with a reduction in mortality. After two weeks, a re-sampling of the treated aquariums was performed and the samples were negative for Capillaria sp. and Hexamita sp. As a result, levamisole and metronidazole can be reported as suitable prescription for the treatment of this disease in green tiger barb.

Keywords:

Green tiger barb , Capillaria sp. , Hexamita sp. , Levamisole , Metronidazole