Vibrio alginolyticus infection in Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer, Bloch) reared in open sea floating cages in India

Abstract

Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) has been designated as a candidate species for open sea cage culture in India. A case of vibriosis in Asian seabass reared in open sea floating cages is reported. Haemorrhage and ulcer were observed grossly in the diseased fish. The pathogen, identified as Vibrio alginolyticus based on biochemical and molecular characterization, was isolated from liver, gill, kidney, brain and blood. Histological examination of the diseased fish showed congestion, haemorrhage and necrosis in vital organs. The LD50 studies showed that the organism was virulent to Asian seabass, and the LD50 value was 103.2 CFU g1 fish