Ovarian mycosis in the topsmelt Atherinops affinis

Abstract

An ovarian mycosis in a topsmelt Atherinops affinis (Ayres), collected from Elkhorn Slough, Monterey County, California, USA, is reported. The fungus caused a considerable host response resulting in numerous granulomas and follicular atresia. Based on morphologic characteristics, the fungus was probably a member of the class Oomycetes. This is the first report of an invasive ovarian mycosis in a marine fish.