PROTOZOAN DISTRIBUTION IN FARMED CYPRINID FISH FROM MACEDONIA

Abstract

The main purpose of this research was to analyze protozoan distribution in farmed cyprinid fish from Macedonia which can have a negative economic impact in developing countries where aquaculture activities contribute to food production. The parasitological examinations were performed on the four fish species from the most significant and larger cyprinid aquaculture facilities in Macedonia. A total of 1134 fish samples were examined, from which parasite infestation with Protozoa was determined in 533 fish, with a total prevalence of 47.002 % and a mean intensity of 6.492. Eight representatives of protozoan parasites in farmed cyprinid fish were identified in this study: Apiosoma piscicola, Chilodonella hexasticha, Myxobolus müelleri, Myxobolus encephalicus, Thelohanellus nikolskii, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Trichodina sp. (in common carp), and Trichodina sp. (in grass carp). The finding of Chilodonella hexasticha in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) as a first record for Macedonian waters, is first published in this paper.