The puzzling etiologies of transient black discoloration in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) intensively cultured under RAS system

Abstract

The aim of this study is to identify the hidden etiologies of the black chromo-shifting transient phenomenon affecting Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, farmed in RAS-controlled ponds together with the assessment of the immunological reaction against the chronic irritating effects of the invasive agent. A total of 100 Nile Tilapia were collected from a private farm at Kafrelsheikh Province, located on the northern side of the Egyptian Nile Delta. The clinical history of the affected fish farm showed an unknown chromo-shifting phenomenon where tilapias were exhibiting severe black skin coloration, which gradually disappeared after removal from the tank’s water. A comprehensive gross examination of the collected fish; including parasitological examination of skin and gill scraps, was performed. Blood biochemical testing was performed on the infested blackish O. niloticus and control non-infested fish. The current study showed that the monogenean parasite, Gyrodactylus cichlidarum, was the abundant parasite detected in the infested fish leading to abnormal black discoloration of skin and disruption of the immune system represented by significant increase of cortisol levels, lysozyme activity and different liver enzymes compared to the control. Treatment trials have been applied with moderate degrees of success, where the monogenean count was sharply decreased, and the normal skin color was remarkably restored, at the end of day 14 post-treatment. A triple treatment plan was initiated through 7 days’ application of 0.7 g/m3 copper sulfates pentahydrate preceded by 1.5 ml/m3 hydrogen peroxide 40% solution for the same period. One day after the end of the initial treatment, a maintenance dosage of 0.095 ml/m3 of glutaraldehyde (15%)/quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) mixture was administered for 3 days. As a supportive/immune-stimulant regimen, a weekly dosage of vitamin C (0.45 g g/m3) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (0.45 g/m3) was added into the tank’s water to improve the general fish health.