Lernaea cyprinacea Linnaeus, 1758 (Copepoda: Lernaeidae) infection on Betta rubra Perugia, 1893 (Anabantiformes: Osphronemidae) from Aceh Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Betta rubra is an ornamental freshwater fish endemic to northern Sumatra, Indonesia. The B. rubra population has decreased in recent decades, and is classified as an endangered species in the IUCN Red List. This study aims to report for the first time infection by L. cyprinacea in B. rubra harvested from the Aceh Besar region of Indonesia. The fish samples were obtained from the Cot Bira tributaries, Aceh Besar District, Indonesia from January to December 2020. The results showed that the parasite infected 6 out of 499 samples in August and September, with a prevalence and intensity rate of 1% and 2 parasites/fish, respectively. The eyes and pectoral fins were the common infection sites. Despite B. rubra is not an optimal host (small size) for the parasite, this parasite might serve as additional threatening factors for the endangered B. rubra fish population.

Molecular and morphological identification of Lernaea spp. in Cyprinid fishes from two districts in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

“…These eight factors interact with one another and affect the survival of fish and parasites. Water temperature influences fish metabolism and immunity; the lower the temperature, the more sensitive it is to illness [ 9 , 34 ]. Lernaea thrives between 26 and 28°C.…”

“…Lernaeosis is a fish illness caused by Copepod ectoparasites of the genus Lernaea [ 5 ]. These ectoparasites attach to all exterior parts of the fish, including some internal parts such as the mouth, gills [ 6 , 7 ], gill filaments, or even the eyes [ 8 , 9 ]. Lernaea are usually associated with significant mortality in aquaculture, and the effect is quite severe, as fish death may occur in massive numbers.…”

“…The occurrence of lernaeosis in aquaculture ponds in Indonesia requires attention because it causes a reduction in fish production and quality [ 9 , 13 ]. This study aimed to obtain information on Lernaea species infecting fish in Indonesia, particularly in Yogyakarta.…”

Effect of water temperature of culture medium on the sex ratio and survival rate of fighting fish Betta dennisyongi larvae

“…Therefore the cultivation of B. dennisyongi is prospective [5]. But unfortunately, currently, the supply of B. dennisyongi is still depending on the catches from the wild population, so the supply is very dependent on the season, varies in size, and is potentially infected by diseases or parasites [6]. Therefore, it is necessary to develop this B. dennisyongi fish farming business in the future.…”