Parasitic Abundance in Snake Head Fish (channa striata) Collected from Rawang Region, Malaysia and Molecular Characterization of the Recovered Parasit

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ABSTRACT

This study was conducted in order to determine the parasitic infestations in snake head fish (channa striata) collected from Rawang region, Malaysia. In addition to the morphological data, molecular determinations was also done as to verify the parasites species. The intensity and prevalence of parasitic infestations was determine by examining all the fish collected. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted to amplify the DNA of parasites. The primer used in this study, showed a proper amplified sequence which correlates to the morphological data. The intensity and prevalance factor varies according to different size of the fishes. A single type of ectoparasite was recovered from this study which was identified to be Argulus spp parasite.

Keywords: Argulus; DNA sequence; Ectoparasite ; Primers ; Polymerase chain reactions ; Snake head fish (channa striata).

Abbreviations:

DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid

EtBr Ethidium bromide

MS222 Tricaine methane sulfonate

OD Optical density

PCR Polymerase chain Reaction

Qiagen DNA extraction and purification kits

TAE Tris Base, 57.1ml of glacial acetic acid and 100ml of 0.5M EDTA (pH 8)

INTRODUCTION

Snake head fish (channa striata), more commonly known as Haruan has been acknowledged in Asian countries as one of the most important fish species. The main reason is due to its multifunctional values found in human diets as well as medicines. Snake head fish possesses an obligatory air breathing capability which enables it to stay alive in muddy areas. Feeding habits of the wild snake head fishes are carnivorous as it feeds on worms, prawns, frogs and especially other fishes.

The snake head fish species is a very popular species in aquaculture indus...

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...pest and fastest way to reduce or to control any kind of diseases for aquaculture systems. The term chemotherapeutant defines any medication, drug or chemical that is used in preventing or combating diseases. This definition also includes those chemicals which was used to improve the rearing environment. However, it does not include nutritional supplements such as vitamins and immune enhancers, although these supplementary factors possess an important role to play in disease management. Although utilization of chemotherapeutants are convenient and cheap, it does appears to be hazardous to the environment. Continuous long-term usage of these form of chemicals may result in the interruption of the natural environment, ecology and ecosystem of the available ponds. Hence, the study of biological control is important especially in parasites ( Arthur et al. 1996).

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