Epibionts of ornamental freshwater shrimps bred in Taiwan

Abstract

Epibionts of ornamental freshwater shrimps bred in Taiwan. One of the major prob- lems in breeding Neocaridina davidi in Taiwa nese aquaculture ponds are epibionts found on the body of ornamental shrimp. These organisms af- fect shrimp wellbeing by causing distress which leads directly to shrimp weakness, loss of colour and even casualties. They can also be observed in imported shrimps which put in danger individuals bred in Europe, mostly characterised by high level of inbreeding and sensitivity to pathogens. Micro- scopic analyses indicated presence of six fresh water shrimp epibionts. Some of them showing parasitic lifestyle (Cladogonium ogishimae, Saprolegnia sp., Scutariella japonica), others (phyla Ciliophora and Rotifera) may indicate level of organic matter in water. To allow an effective treatment and con- trol of the spread of parasites, all of their preferred locations on shrimp body observer in this study should be checked and become a vital part of diag- nostic methods. Researches on ornamental fresh- water shrimps’ epibionts are important to achieve success in shrimp breeding as well as to effectively monitor epibiont populations globally, especially that in some regions they may become potentially invasive organisms to the native crustaceans.