Aquatic fungi associated with seven species of Nile fishes (Egypt) | JoVE Visualize

Aquatic fungi associated with seven species of Nile fishes (Egypt)

F T el-Hissy¹, A R Khallil, M A el-Nagdy

¹Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Egypt.

Zentralblatt Fur Mikrobiologie|January 1, 1989

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study identified aquatic and terrestrial fungi in fish and water samples, with Aspergillus being the most prevalent fungus found across all samples. Tilapia nilotica harbored the most zoosporic fungi species.

Area of Science:

Mycology
Aquatic Mycology
Fish Pathology

Background:

Fungal infections pose a significant threat to fish health and aquatic ecosystems.
Understanding fungal diversity in freshwater environments is crucial for ecological balance and aquaculture.
Previous studies have highlighted the presence of various fungi in aquatic settings, but comprehensive surveys on fish-associated fungi are ongoing.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the diversity and distribution of zoosporic and terrestrial fungi associated with freshwater fish species.
To identify fungal species colonizing different fish species and body parts (internal organs, scales, wash water).
To assess the prevalence and abundance of specific fungal genera, particularly Aspergillus and Penicillium.

Main Methods:

Collection of fish samples (Tilapia nilotica, Bagrus bayad, Syndontis schall, Mormyrus kannum, Schilbe mystus, Labeo niloticus) and Nile water samples.
Isolation and identification of zoosporic and terrestrial fungi from fish external surfaces, internal organs, and wash water.
Fungal enumeration and characterization based on morphological and taxonomic criteria.
Analysis of fungal distribution across different fish species, sample types, and environmental conditions.

Main Results:

Ten identified and two unidentified zoosporic fungal species from seven genera were recovered, with Tilapia nilotica showing the highest fungal load (5 species, 3 genera).
Forty-six terrestrial fungal species from 22 genera were identified; Aspergillus was the most common (31/31 samples, 52.40% of total fungi) with 12 species.
The broadest fungal spectrum (15 species) was found in the external wash water of Mormyrus kannum, while Aspergillus flavus var. columnaris exhibited the broadest spectrum within the Aspergillus genus.

Conclusions:

The study highlights the diverse fungal communities associated with freshwater fish, including both aquatic and terrestrial fungi.
Aspergillus is a dominant fungal genus in the investigated aquatic environment, with significant implications for fish health and water quality.
Further research is needed to understand the pathogenic potential and ecological roles of these identified fungi in freshwater ecosystems.