Ectoparasite identification on sea bass (Lates calcarifer) in cage culture in Semerak, Kelantan

Abstract

Nowadays sea bass, Lates calcarifer has become one of the most promising commercial marine fish in Malaysia's aquaculture industry. In this study, a total number of 40 sea bass from net floating at Semerak have been used to identify the ectoparasites of the fish. Seven species of ectoparasite are found in examined sea bass, they are from three big group namely 1) protozoan parasites; Cryptocaryon irritans, Trichodina sp. and cysts of Henneguya sp., 2) parasitic crustacean; Lernanthropus latis, Caligus sp., and Ergasilus sp., and 3) monogenetic trematodes; Pseudorhabdosynochus sp.. The prevalence and mean intensity of Cryptocaryon irritans was 65% and 132.5, Trichodina sp. 37.5% and 8, cysts of Henneguya sp. 10% and 1.3, Lernanthropus latis was 95% and 14, Ca/igus sp. 60% and 12.3, Ergasilus sp. 37.5% and 6.3, and lastly Pseudorhabdosynochus sp 57.5% and 29.9. Ectoparasites infection is the reason for mass mortality of fish in Malaysia's aquaculture industry. Hope, the information about this study might help us to generate more information to reduce threats and risks to cultured sea bass.