The potential utility of the leopard pleco (Glyptoperichthys gibbiceps) as a biological control of the ciliate protozoan Ichthyophthirius multifiliis

Abstract

This study demonstrates for the first time the potential of G. gibbiceps as a biological control to reduce I. multifiliis on commercially valuable fish stocks in warm-water systems. This likely originated from the grazing activity of G. gibbiceps on the biofilm layer upon which the multiplicative stage of I. multifiliis was shown preferentially to settle. Therapeutic strategies against pathogenic protozoan species like I. multifiliis could greatly benefit from incorporating, where appropriate, a biological control targeting the external multiplicative life stages of the parasite, potentially reducing the current dependence on chemical interventions.

The fish parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis – Host immunology, vaccines and novel treatments

“…In warm water systems the use of an algae grazing fish, the leopard pleco (Glyptoperichthys gibbiceps), resulted in significant reduction of I. multifiliis infections as the fish graze the biofilms on which the parasite settles for encystment [120]. Copepods and other filtrating microorganisms are frequently found in fish tank systems and they may influence the biota in the system.…”

In vitro and in vivo assessment of the effect of antiprotozoal compounds isolated from Psoralea corylifolia against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis in fish

“…Protomont and tomont are the key free-living stages in the life cycle of I. multifiliis . The mature trophont transforms to the protomont, which actively leaves the host tissues and swim briefly before settling on an appropriate substrate, and then the settled protomont encysts and undergoes binary division, producing hundreds to thousands of infective theronts ( Matthews, 2005; Picón-Camacho et al., 2012b ). Therefore, it is important to kill the parasites at the reproductive stage in order to prevent infestation of theronts by termination of the reproduction of I. multifiliis ( Zhang et al., 2013 ).…”

Insight into Risks in Aquatic Animal Health in Aquaponics

“…The wrasse remove and feed on sea lice (Skiftesvik et al 2013). Although cleaning is less common in freshwater fish, the leopard plecos (Glyptoperichthys gibbiceps), cohabiting with blue tilapia (Oreochromis aureus), successfully keeps infection with Ichthyophthirius multifiliis under control by feeding on the parasite cysts (Picón-Camacho et al 2012). This biocontrol method is becoming increasingly important in aquaculture and can be considered in aquaponic systems.…”