Cleaning behaviour and expression profiles of immune-related genes in the skin mucus of bluestreak cleaner wrasse, Labroides dimidiatus, in response to its parasite-infected client, the Asian Seabass, Lates calcarifer

Abstract

Fish disease is one of factor that contributes to mortality in fish farming. Biology treatments were recommended to control and treat fish disease instead of chemical treatments. Biology treatments that have potential are by using cleaner wrasse Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse, L. dimidiatus. L. dimidiatus act by removed parasite from other fish that called client. L. dimidiatus reported to have mutualism relationship with its client. Uniquely, no reports on L. dimidiatus had infected with parasite from its client. So this research are to determine antagonistics behaviour (Pose, bite, twitch, flee,chase and swipe) between L. dimidiatus and its client Asian Seabass Lates calcarifer , to determine immune related gene expression profile (Alkaline phosphatase, Cathepsin B, Cathepsin D dan Cathepsin L) during cleaning activities and to relate both of this research finding. So, 2 L. dimidiatus were placed together with infected L. calcarifer in 2 feet aquarium for 48 hours (2 days) to determine antagonistic behaviour.