Experimental infections of a ciliate Tetrahymena pyriformis on ornamental fishes

SUMMARY: Experimental infection of Tetrahymena pyriformis was conducted on ornamental fishes with skin wounded by acetic acid treatment. Among fishes used in this experimental infection, guppy Poecilia reticulata , pristella Pristella maxillaris , neontetra Paracheirodon innesi and cherry barbs Puntius titteya proved to be sensitive to challenge, while medaka Oryzias latipes , dwarf gourami Colisa lalia , goldfish Carassius auratus , platy Xiphophorus maculatus and angelfish Pterophyllum scalare were resistant. In catfish Corydoras aeneus infection was unsuccessful. Exposure to Tetrahymena at ≥100 cells/mL at 25 to 30°C and at pH of 6.0 to 8.0 resulted in the successful infection of some sensitive fish species. Histological and bacteriological observations suggest that deeply destroyed skin tissues from the acid-treated method are the primary factors in successful infection.