Abstract
Background: Parasitic infections in aquarium fish, similar to those in other animal species, can lead to significant economic losses for the industry and
hobby breeders. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of parasitic infections in aquarium fish in Konya province by assessing various fish species
collected from different aquariums. Methods: A total of 104 aquarium fish representing nine species from eight taxonomic families were examined. These
included 39 goldfish (Carassius auratus) from the Cyprinidae family, 42 guppies (Poecilia reticulata) and two mollies (Poecilia sphenops) from the Poeciliidae family, nine bushymouth catfish (Ancistrus dolichopterus) from the Loricariidae
family, seven Ornate tetras (Hyphessobrycon bentosi) from the Characidae family, one Kenyi cichlid (Maylandia lombardoi) from the Cichlidae family, one cory catfish (Corydoras sp.) from the Callichthyidae family, two Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) from the Osphronemidae family, and one shark catfish (Pangasius sp.). Each fish underwent a macroscopic examination, followed by microscopic analysis of skin, fin, and gill scrapings using the native examination method. Protozoa, metazoa, and arthropods were identified based on relevant literature. Results: Parasitic infections were detected in 30.8% (32 out of 104) of the aquarium fish. The identified parasites included Gyrodactylus sp., Dactylogyrus sp., Tetrahymena sp., Chilodonella sp., Trichodina sp., Ichtyobodo necator, Ichthyophthirius multifilis, Argulus sp., and an aquatic mite. In some cases, mixed infections with more than one parasitic species were observed. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that a variety of parasitic infections are present in aquarium fish sold in Konya’s pet shops, posing risks
to both the fish industry and private breeders. The detection of multiple parasites and the presence of mixed infections suggest that regular parasitic
screenings in pet shops are essential. These preventive measures could reduce the transmission of infections among aquarium fish and mitigate economic losses for those involved in the fish trade.
Keywords: Cyprinidae, Poeciliidae, Arthropod, Helminth, Protozoa, Türkiye