INFESTATION OF LARNAEA CYPRINACEA (CRUSTACEA: CEPOPODA) IN DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF COMMON CARP (CYPRINUS CARPIO) REARED IN SERBIA

Abstract

Lernaea cyprinacea in common carp and other warm water fi shes is one of the major problems of aquaculture industry in Serbia. Infestations with Lernaea are most prevalent in the summer months and occur more commonly in stagnant or slow-moving water bodies. Th e optimal temperature range for Lernaea development is 26–28°C. In the present study infection rate of L. cyprinacea in two diff erent categories of fi sh pond cultured common carp was done. Pathological eff ects and control of the disease of infected fi sh were also followed. Fish sampling was done during the summer months of 2014, in 3 common carp fi sh ponds. One hundred twenty fi sh samples were collected from all carp ponds (n=120). Aft er fi sh sampling collected Lernaea were transferred to the laboratory for parasite study. Prevalence of the infection was calculated for two age populations of carps. According to the obtained results, the parasite prevalence were signifi cantly higher in carp fi ngerlings than in older carps (P<0.05). Th e highest numbers of parasites were found on fi ns and skin. Carps fry infestation of Lernaea caused intense infl ammation and ulcers what leading to secondary bacterial and fungal infections. These secondary infections sometimes worsen and kill the fi sh. In carps for consumption L. cyprinacea infestation reduces the meat quality and lessening marketability of fi sh, because infected carps cause disgust of consumers and cannot be recommended for human consumption. Technological measures such as improvement of ambient conditions, adequate feed, optimum stock
density, reduction of stress, good water quality and lime addition twice a week in quantity of 50 kg/ha are the most effi cacy in combatting this disease.