Acid water and aluminium exposure: gill lesions and aluminium accumulation in farmed brown trout, Salmo trutta L.

Abstract. Brown trout, Salmo trittta L., from two fish farms, situated within acid-susceptible areas in Sweden, were studied with respect to aluminium accumulation and gill pathology. The total aluminium concentrations, after liming of the water in both farms, were between 200 and 300μg/1 at sampling. Brown trout from a third farm in a non-acidified area (total aluminium concentration of water 35μg/1 were included as a control. The aluminium concentrations in gills from farmed brown trout in acidified areas were approximately 20μg/g and 90μg/g wet weight respectively compared with approximately 2μg/g wet weight in control brown trout gills. Light- and electron microscopic examination disclosed two major types of gill lesions characterized by chloride cell hyperplasia in the secondary lamellar epithelium and enlargement of the intercellular spaces in the secondary lamellar epithelium. The difference in the aluminium speciation and accumulation may explain the difference in the gill pathology of farmed fish from acidified areas. The chloride cell hyperplasia together with a relatively low aluminium accumulation is considered to reflect a long-term exposure effect.     

Normal and aberrant tissue distribution of Loma salmonae (Microspora) within rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), following experimental infection at water temperatures within and outside of the xenoma-expression temperature boundaries

Temperatures above 20 °C or below 9 °C interrupt the life cycle of the gill intracellular microsporidian parasite Loma salmonae (Microspora) prior to sporogony, inhibiting the production of xenomas. This study intended to characterize this life-cycle failure. Juvenile rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), were experimentally infected with L. salmonae spores, and the effect of water temperature on the progress of infection, as determined by polymerase chain reaction, was compared for fish held at water temperatures of 5, 15 and 21 °C. At 15 °C, parasite DNA was first detected in the heart (3 days post-exposure [PE]), and then in the gills and spleen (2 weeks PE). Branchial xenomas developed by week 4 PE. In contrast, at 5 °C, the arrival of the parasite in the heart was delayed until 7 days PE. However, even though parasite DNA was detected in the gills at 7 days PE, xenomas failed to form in the gill, and by week 4 PE, parasite DNA was no longer detected. In fish held at 21 °C, parasite DNA was detected in the heart, gills and spleen by 3 days post-infection, and similar results were observed at 7 days PE. Xenomas also failed to form in these fish and parasite DNA was no longer detected by week 2 PE. Within the range of temperatures tested in this study, spore germination and delivery of their DNA into the host through the intestinal wall was not blocked by temperature. At 5 or 21 °C, migration to the heart and gills occurred, but at aberrant periods of time. The normal life cycle of L. salmonae may depend on the completion of relatively lengthy, but yet unknown, stages of development within the heart, prior to reaching the gill. This development may be adversely affected by temperature, and explain the temperature limits of this parasite.     

稀有鮈鲫鳃的组织结构及水体镉暴露对其影响

运用石蜡切片技术和扫描电镜技术对稀有鮈鲫(Gobiocypris rarus)鳃结构进行观察,并采用浓度为2 mg/L的Cd Cl_2水溶液对稀有鮈鲫进行急性毒理实验。结果显示:稀有鮈鲫具4对鳃,由鳃耙、鳃弓、鳃丝及鳃小片组成。鳃的各个部位表面均有上皮细胞覆盖;鳃耙和鳃弓具味蕾,鳃弓上还具不同类型的黏液细胞;相邻鳃小片的上皮细胞间也分布有黏液细胞,在鳃小片基部有氯细胞着生。鳃丝表面有不规则凹陷和微嵴,具沟、坑、孔等结构;鳃小片两面均呈凹凸状。在2 mg/L的Cd Cl_2水溶液暴露下,鳃受到损伤,发生鳃小片充血呈球状,鳃上皮水肿、脱落,黏液细胞增多等现象;并随时间延长受损程度加重。     

急性和慢性低氧胁迫对卵形鲳鲹鳃器官的影响

文章研究了窒息点以上的低氧胁迫对卵形鲳鲹(Trachinotus ovatus)鱼体鳃器官的影响,在常温条件下对(32.84±3.99)g的卵形鲳鲹进行了急性(0 h、3 h、6 h、12 h、24 h)和慢性(14 d)的低氧胁迫实验,采用常规石蜡切片和H-E染色以及电子显微技术,观察低氧胁迫对卵形鲳鲹鳃器官的影响。结果显示,卵形鲳鲹在急性低氧胁迫下鳃小片上皮肿胀和抬升;慢性低氧胁迫下随着时间延长,鳃小片上皮细胞与鳃小片分离,鳃呼吸表面积增加。结果表明低氧胁迫对卵形鲳鲹鳃器官具有较大影响,而且慢性胁迫的影响大于急性胁迫。     

Isolation of ice-nucleating active bacterium from mackerel and its properties

ABSTRACT: An ice-nucleating bacterium, designated MACK-4, was isolated from ice-stored mackerel ( Scomber australasicus ) and identified as a Pseudomonas fluorescens . The optimal temperature and pH for its growth in nutrient broth with 2.5% glycerol (NB-G) were 15°C and 6.5, respectively. The maximal ice-nucleating activity (INA) was obtained after 54 h incubation at 15°C. However, the INA was almost completely lost after 48 h incubation at 25°C or higher. The growth and INA decreased with increase of NaCl added in NB-G within 0.0–4.0%. The INA of MACK-4 was very stable at 5–25°C, pH 4.0–9.5, while that of isolated ice-nucleating matter from MACK-4 was stable at 5–25°C, pH 5.5–9.0.     

Histopathology of respiratory organs of certain air-breathing fishes of India

Air-breathing fishes have evolved bimodal respiratory mechanisms for exploitation of water (through gills and highly vascularized skin) as well as atmospheric air (through aerial respiratory organs, ABO). Mucous cells in these respiratory organs of variously stressed fishes exhibit periodic fluctuations in their density and staining properties. The main types of damage in the gills include congestion of blood capillaries (BLCs), periodic lifting and sloughing of respiratory epithelia of the secondary lamellae causing haemorrhage, extensive fusion of secondary lamellae and hyperplasia of the respiratory epithelia due to uncontrolled regeneration leading to asphyxiation, altered excretion, and death of the fish. Haemolysis has also been observed following lead exposure. The damage in the ABO of Heteropneustes fossilis includes sloughing of the epithelial cells, leading to haemorrhage causing decreased red blood corpuscles density and degeneration of the secondary gill lamellae with reduced respiratory area. Subsequent hyperplasia of the respiratory epithelia and fusion of gill lamellae increase the respiratory barrier distance. The BLCs often bulge out and protrude into the lumen, bringing blood nearer to air. The ladder-like pillar cell (PLC)-BLC components of the gill lamellae frequently collapse. Damage to the ABO of Channa striata is less severe. Often haemorrhaging due to bursting of extensively stretched BLCs causes aerial respiratory failure. Chloride cells of the ABOs also show hyperplasia. While the highly mucogenic epidermis of C. striata shows less damage, the epidermis of Clarias batrachus and H. fossilis shows severe wear and tear, sloughing, and haemorrhage. Side-by-side regeneration continues, causing altered histomorphology of the epidermis. The different gland cells also show periodic fluctuations in their density and staining. The dermis also shows severe damage with loosening of their connective tissue fibres. These fibres give stronger reactions for sulfated mucin that not only retain additional water molecules for continuance of skin breathing, but also bind the toxic ambient pollutants.     

怒江裂腹鱼鳃的显微和超微结构

通过光镜、扫描电镜及透射电镜技术,研究了怒江裂腹鱼(Schizothorax nukiangensis)鳃的组织结构和超微结构。结果表明,怒江裂腹鱼鳃基本结构与其他硬骨鱼相似,均由鳃耙、鳃弓、鳃丝以及鳃小片构成,且各部分具有不同的组织结构和细胞类型。扁平上皮细胞覆盖于整个鳃表面,其表面的纹路主要有3种类型,在鳃上不同的部位具有不同的结构和功能。线粒体密集细胞主要分布于鳃小片基部,仅有一种细胞类型,顶端膜内凹呈浅滩型,细胞内具有大量圆形的线粒体。怒江裂腹鱼鳃内扁平上皮细胞和线粒体密集细胞的形态结构与其在急流中游泳和摄食活动等生活习性相适应。本研究结果丰富了怒江裂腹鱼的基础生物学资料,并为阐明鱼类鳃的结构特征与其生活习性之间的关系提供参考。     

Effect of water temperature and diet on growth and mortality of Neptunea arthritica juveniles

The growth and mortality of Neptunea arthritica juveniles hatched from different egg masses (controlled conditions and field) reared at 10 and 15 °C, and provided with sardine (D1) and polychaete (D2) as foods were evaluated. Results showed that diet type and water temperature significantly affect the growth and mortality. Interaction between these factors reflected robust relationship among them, but restricted exclusively to growth. Through the study period, juveniles treated at 10 °C showed maximum increments of 2.5 mm (shell length), 2.3 mm (shell width) and 0.25 g (body weight) from their initial size. While maximum values of those treated at 15 °C for the above-mentioned parameters were 7.6 mm, 5.5 mm and 1 g respectively. In both cases, these increments were recorded for individuals fed with sardine. Mortality was significantly affected by diets and water temperature, which significantly increased under D2 [10 °C (20–67%), 15 °C (70–87%)] or 15 °C [D1 (30–83%), D2 (70–87%)]. According to the results, juveniles of N. arthritica could be maintained under controlled conditions, which allows growth improvement. Mortality appears to be the limiting factor, but this could be improved by the implementation of efficient culture method, basically oriented to increase the water quality.     

Acute lion's mane jellyfish,Cyanea capillata (Cnideria: Scyphozoa), exposure to Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)

Jellyfish‐induced gill pathology relies upon occasional diagnostic observations yet the extent and impact of jellyfish blooms on aquaculture may be significant. Idiopathic gill lesions are often observed in apparently healthy fish. This study exposed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) smolts to macerated Cyanea capillata at 2.5 and 5 g/L for 2 hr under controlled laboratory conditions. Blood chemistry and gill histopathology were examined over a subsequent 4‐week period. Fish showed an acute response to the presence of jellyfish, including characteristic external “whiplash” discoloration of the skin and acute increases in blood electrolytes and CO₂ concentration; however, these were resolved within 4 days after exposure. Histopathologically, gills showed first an acute oedema with epithelial separation followed by focal haemorrhage and thrombus formation, and then progressive inflammatory epithelial hyperplasia that progressively resolved over the 4 weeks post‐exposure. Results were consistent with the envenomation of gills with cytotoxic neurotoxins and haemolysins known to be produced by C. capillata. This study suggests that many focal hyperplastic lesions on gills, especially those involving focal thrombi, may be the result of jellyfish stings. Thus, the presence of jellyfish and their impact may be severe and understated in terms of marine fish aquaculture and fish welfare.     

Influence of interposition of pink muscle fiber into dorsal ordinary muscle on 5'-IMP degrading activity in various fish species

ABSTRACT: To clarify the cause of differences in the temporal change of K -value among fish species living in the same habitat water temperature, the influence of the interposition of pink muscle fibers into dorsal ordinary muscle on 5'-inosine monophosphate (5'-IMP) degrading activity was examined. Fourteen fish species from the Sakishima Islands (habitat water temperature 28°C) and from Nagasaki (habitat water temperature 17°C) were used for the sample fishes. Each of 5'-IMP and ρ-nitrophenol phosphate (ρ-NPP) degrading activities showed a peak at near pH 8.0 and near pH 5.0, respectively. These activities were somewhat higher in fish from Nagasaki than in fish from the Sakishima Islands. The interposition percentage of pink muscle fibers into dorsal ordinary muscle correlated significantly ( P < 0.05) with the 5'-IMP degrading activity at pH 7.0. Furthermore, the activity at pH 7.0 correlated significantly ( P < 0.001) with the increasing rate of K -value at 32°C (ΔK₃₂). These results suggest that the difference in ΔK₃₂ among fish species in the same habitat water temperature might be caused by differences in 5'-IMP degrading activity because of the differences in the interposition rates of pink muscle fibers into dorsal ordinary muscle.     

中国养殖斑石鲷(Oplegnathus puncatus)上皮囊肿病的发现及显微观察

2015年,山东省某养殖场工厂化养殖的斑石鲷(Oplegnathus puncatus)幼鱼(全长为15 cm左右)因病陆续死亡,15d内累积死亡率达40％以上.现场调查发现,发病池水温为21℃,盐度为30.患病鱼群散开、不聚集.病鱼身体侧偏,活力差,常贴底或者贴壁,严重者随着水流漂流.病鱼呼吸困难,口部持续张开,鳃盖开合频繁,对投喂的食物无反应.但病鱼反应灵敏,难以捕捉.临床检查和剖检可见病鱼鳃表面覆盖着大量黏液,鳃丝有损伤,肠道无食物.取病鱼鳃丝制成水浸片,在光学显微镜下观察,鳃丝上可见到许多直径约为30-70 μm的囊肿物,外观圆形或卵圆形,呈浅黄棕色.在苏木精-伊红染色的石蜡切片中,病鱼次级鳃丝末端粘连,许多上皮细胞膨大呈囊肿状.囊肿嗜碱性,内部均质化.在扫描电子显微镜下观察,病鱼鳃丝呈棍棒化,鳃小片被大量黏液覆盖,表面光滑的囊肿细胞镶嵌其间.通过上述疾病现场调查、病鱼的临床检查、鳃组织的光学显微镜和扫描电子显微镜病理观察,可以初步确定该病为斑石鲷上皮囊肿病.这是上皮囊肿病在中国养殖斑石鲷中首次被发现和记载.     

In vitro survival and the effect of water chemistry and oxidative chemical treatments on isolated gill amoebae from AGD-affected Atlantic salmon

Amoebic gill disease (AGD) of cultured salmonids in Tasmania is caused by the amphizoic parasitic amoeba Neoparamoeba pemaquidensis. The freshwater tolerance of amoebae isolated from the gills of AGD-affected salmon (predominantly N. pemaquidensis) was tested in vitro using a trypan blue exclusion assay. Amoebae exposed to water containing high concentrations of Ca²⁺ or Mg²⁺ (200 mg l⁻¹) showed high levels of survival up to 3 h of exposure. Exposure to water containing elevated Na⁺, choline chloride or water at different pH all had no significant survival of amoebae. Exposure of amoebae to different concentrations of chlorine dioxide, chloramine-T or hydrogen peroxide in artificially hard water demonstrated that chloramine-T and hydrogen peroxide were the most efficacious at killing amoebae in vitro. This work suggests that the hardness of freshwater may be an important factor for the survival of marine amoebae (predominantly N. pemaquidensis) on the gills of AGD-affected salmon and have significant implications with regard to the efficacy of freshwater bathing practices for the control of AGD on farms. Additionally, chloramine-T and hydrogen peroxide appear to be efficacious at killing marine gill amoebae in vitro and may be useful for the control of AGD in farmed Atlantic salmon.     

苏氏鲢鲶鳃超微结构观察

对苏氏鲢鲶鳃结构进行扫描和透射电镜观察.鲢鲶鳃丝末端膨大呈杓状结构,每一鳃丝两侧具许多呈褶状的鳃小片,相邻两鳃丝上的鳃小片紧密镶嵌排列.鳃弓和鳃耙表面分布众多味蕾.鳃丝呼吸面上皮细胞薄,高度血管化,形成呼吸面隆起;非呼吸面由微脊细胞彼此相连,间缝具分泌细胞开口.鳃小片由单层或数层外上皮细胞和由基膜相隔的柱状细胞及其围在血管腔的凸缘构成,氯细胞多分布在鳃小片基部,并有开口通外.还探讨了鲢鲶鳃丝和鳃小片特殊的结构与功能.     

苏氏Mang鲶鳃超微结构观察

对苏氏Mang鲶鳃结构进行扫描和透射电镜观察。Mang鲶鳃丝末端膨大呈杓状结构，每一鳃丝两侧具有许多呈褶状的鳃小片，相邻两鳃丝上的鳃小片紧密镶嵌排列。鳃弓和鳃耙表面分布众多味蕾。鳃丝呼吸面上皮细胞薄，高度血管化，形成呼吸面隆起，非呼吸面由微脊细胞彼此相连，间缝具分泌细胞开口。鳃小片由单层或数层外上皮细胞和由基膜相隔的柱状细胞及其围在血管腔的凸缘构成，氯细胞多分布在鳃小片基部，并有开口通外，还探讨了Mang鲶鳃丝和鳃小片特殊的结构与功能。     

Effects of temperature on amoebic gill disease development: Does it play a role?

A relationship between increasing water temperature and amoebic gill disease (AGD) prevalence in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) has been noted at fish farms in numerous countries. In Scotland (UK), temperatures above 12°C are considered to be an important risk factor for AGD outbreaks. Thus, the purpose of this study was to test for the presence of an association between temperature and variation in the severity of AGD in Atlantic salmon at 10 and 15°C. The results showed an association between temperature and variation in AGD severity in salmon from analysis of histopathology and Paramoeba perurans load, reflecting an earlier and stronger infection post‐amoebae exposure at the higher temperature. While no significant difference between the two temperature treatment groups was found in plasma cortisol levels, both glucose and lactate levels increased when gill pathology was evident at both temperatures. Expression analysis of immune‐ and stress‐related genes showed more modulation in gills than in head kidney, revealing an organ‐specific response and an interplay between temperature and infection. In conclusion, temperature may not only affect the host response, but perhaps also favour higher attachment/growth capacity of the amoebae as seen with the earlier and stronger P. perurans infection at 15°C.     

Evaluating protection against Loma salmonae generated from primary exposure of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), outside of the xenoma-expression temperature boundaries

A series of challenge and re-challenge studies was conducted in which juvenile rainbow trout were exposed to the pathogen Loma salmonae , a microsporidian which typically causes xenoma formation during sporogony and inflammation in the gills as the xenomas undergo dissolution. The specific goal was to determine if a primary exposure, conducted at a water temperature outside of the range which permits the parasite to undergo sporogony and form branchial xenomas, would stimulate a protective response in the fish to a later challenge conducted under temperature conditions optimal for the parasite. Primary challenge of fish to L. salmonae at 7 °C or 21 °C blocked or limited xenoma formation, as discussed in a previous study. However, these fish had a relative percentage protection (RPP) against a second optimized exposure which matched, or was not significantly less than, the degree of protection (100%) that developed in other groups of fish that received a primary exposure throughout the range of water temperatures which permits xenoma formation. When the primary exposure was conducted at 5 °C, the RPP against the second exposure was adversely affected and declined to 61%. These findings have application to the control of L. salmonae within aquaculture, in that it may be possible to expose hatchery stocks of susceptible salmonid species to spores of L. salmonae when hatchery water temperature is at 7 °C. At this temperature, the risks of disease stemming from this primary exposure appear minimal, since xenomas fail to form. However, the degree of protection appears promising, and may be sufficient to protect fish from spore exposure occurring at netpen marine sites where the parasite may be endemic.     

急性氨氮胁迫及毒后恢复对团头鲂幼鱼鳃、肝和肾组织结构的影响

为进一步了解氨氮对团头鲂幼鱼的毒性毒理影响,以体质量为(14.27±0.01)g的团头鲂幼鱼为研究对象,研究了氨氮胁迫对其鳃、肝、肾组织结构的影响。实验首先进行96h的氨氮胁迫,得出96h LC50,在此基础上,设置对照组(0.472 mg/L)和实验组(25 mg/L)两个氨氮浓度处理组,进行0、6、12、24、48h的氨氮胁迫,取样后剩余团头鲂幼鱼移入曝气自来水进行96h的毒后恢复实验。结果表明：96h LC50为56.492 mg/L;三种组织观察表明,氨氮胁迫6h,鳃丝毛细血管扩张,上皮组织增生;肝细胞肿胀,细胞核肿大,肝细胞空泡化;肾小球萎缩,肾小囊腔膨大,肾小管管腔缩小;胁迫12h,泌氯细胞增生,呼吸上皮细胞出现部分脱落;肝细胞水样变性、血窦扩张、细胞轮廓模糊,形成点状病灶;肾小管上皮细胞肿大、水样变性、浊肿;胁迫24h,鳃小片融合、变短,呼吸上皮细胞大面积脱落;肝细胞水样变性、血窦扩张严重,形成局部病灶;肾组织淋巴细胞浸润严重,充血,肾小球坏死,肾小管坏死;胁迫48h,鳃小片卷曲,上皮细胞部分脱落;肝细胞部分溶解、血窦扩张,形成点状病灶;肾小管上皮细胞坏死,肾小球坏死;96h恢复后,泌氯细胞和上皮组织增生严重;肝组织大面积细胞核肿大,血窦扩张;肾组织淋巴细胞浸润严重,肾小管坏死,肾小球坏死。实验表明,不同的器官之间病症的损伤程度是不同的,肝组织的损伤最严重,然后依次是鳃和肾。随着胁迫时间延长,鳃、肝和肾组织受到的损害增加,同时鱼体也产生防御反应,但96h的恢复期不足以让团头鲂幼鱼在胁迫中完全恢复,而恢复能力最差的是肾组织。     

Acute responses of juvenile cobia Rachycentron canadum (Linnaeus 1766) to acid stress

Fish are potentially submitted to water acidification when reared in recirculating aquaculture systems. This study evaluated the responses of juvenile cobia Rachycentron canadum after acute exposure to acid water. Juvenile cobia (12.6 ± 0.5 g; 14.2 ± 0.2 cm) were acutely exposed to four pH levels (7.9 (control), 6.5, 6.0, and 5.5). After 24 h of exposure to different pH values, fish were sampled for physiological and histopathological evaluation. Acid water affected physiological parameters and induced morphological histopathologies on gill and skin of juvenile cobia, and these effects were more conspicuous with decreasing pH values. Acid stress induced blood acidosis in juvenile cobia, coupled to a decrease in bicarbonate (HCO₃^?) and saturated O₂ (sO₂) in fish blood. On the other hand, haematocrit, haemoglobin and glucose concentration increased their values (P < 0.01) comparing to control level. Hyperplasia with completely fusion of secondary lamella was observed in all pH treatments (6.5. 6.0 and 5.5), while telangiectasia and proliferation of chloride cells were present for fish exposed to pH 6.0 and 5.5. In skin hyperplasia and hypertrophy of mucous cells, necrosis of these cells for fish exposed to pH 6.0 and 5.5 was observed. The results of this study demonstrate that acute acid water exposition affected physiology and histopathology in juvenile cobia, especially at pH values below 6.5. Accordingly, particular attention must be given to pH during cobia reared in recirculating aquaculture.     

Atypical bacterial gill disease: a new form of bacterial gill disease affecting intensively reared salmonids

An unusual form of bacterial gill disease (BGD) was identified which affected five species of cultured salmonids from Canada (i.e. rainbow trout, chinook salmon and Atlantic salmon), Norway (i.e. brown trout) and Chile (i.e. coho salmon). All outbreaks occurred at low water temperatures (< 10 °C) and with clinical presentations distinct from classical BGD, which is caused by Flavobacterium branchiophilum. In contrast to classical BGD, fish did not show marked respiratory distress with flaring of the opercula, the animals did not orientate at the surface of the water column near inflow water or at the margins of the tanks, and the feed response of the fish was varied. While mortality was increased, it was not precipitous as in classical BGD. Eight outbreaks were examined in greater detail using histopathology, scanning electron microscopy, bacteriology and immunohistochemistry. Large numbers of small bacterial rods were seen adhering to the lamellar epithelium of affected gills from all outbreaks. Histologically, the lamellar epithelium appeared swollen, often with evidence of single cell degeneration and exfoliation. In more severe instances, the formation of lamellar synechiae was seen, usually associated with sequestration of bacteria between fused lamellae. By contrast with typical BGD, overt epithelial hyperplasia, lamellar fusion and filamental clubbing were not common sequelae to infection; instead, the end result was shortened and somewhat stubby lamellae covered with swollen epithelial cells. The predominant bacterium recovered from affected gills was a small, Gram-negative, motile, fluorescent pigment-producing rod that shared phenotypic characteristics with Pseudomonas fluorescens. Polyclonal antisera prepared against three representative isolates indicated a weak antigenic similarity among them. Immunohistochemistry corroborated this finding, in that the antisera reacted strongly with gill sections containing the homologous bacteria, but not against morphologically similar bacteria in heterologous sections. A Gram-negative, yellow pigmented bacterium (YPB), identified as Flavobacterium psychrophilum, was also recovered, but only from the gills in the Ontario outbreaks. Antiserum prepared against this YPB indicated an antigenic similarity among isolates recovered from the Ontario outbreaks, but immunohistochemistry failed to recognize antigenically related bacteria on the gills of fish from the other outbreaks. Based on the unusual clinical presentation and the histopathological appearance of the gills, in conjunction with the absence of filamentous bacteria associated with and recovered from affected gills, the present authors have called this condition ‘atypical bacterial gill disease’ or ABGD.     

A mycosis of juvenile spiny rock lobster, Jasus edwardsii (Hutton, 1875) caused by Haliphthoros sp., and possible methods of chemical control

Mortalities of puerulus and juvenile rock lobsters, Jasus edwardsii (Hutton, 1875), held in shore-based ongrowing facilities at water temperatures between 10 and 18 °C were associated with infection by an invasive oomycete identified as Haliphthoros sp. Gross signs of disease included loss of appetite, lethargy and 1–3 brown/black focal necrotic lesions in the gills near insertion of the walking legs. Hyphae were observed in wet preparations of gill filaments excised from lesions. Histology of gill lesions showed hyphae inside the gill cuticle, invasion and lysis of the skeletal muscle and massive haemocyte infiltration and melanization at the base of walking legs adjacent to infected gill filaments. Lobsters over approximately 30 mm carapace length appeared resistant to infection. Death of affected lobsters usually occurred prior to or during the moult and in some cases may have been associated with secondary bacterial infection. Haliphthoros sp. was isolated in pure culture and marine agar 2216 was the medium that produced best growth in vitro . Two isolates were exposed in vitro to five chemicals to determine if an effective treatment could be found. Chemicals that interrupted the life cycle by killing zoospores or preventing sporulation included malachite green, trifuralin, formalin and copper sulphate. The appearance of the disease was associated with poor hygiene and its elimination may be achievable by improving husbandry practices.