Comparison of Copper Sulfate Concentrations to Control Ichthyophthiriasis in Fingerling Channel Catfish

ABSTRACT

Fingerling channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus were exposed to Ichthyophthirius multifiliis-infested fish until immature trophonts developed. The fish were transferred to individual static fiberglass tanks filled with 600 L of pond water (total alkalinity and total hardness was 220 mg/L and 101 mg/L, respectively) and were treated with 0, 1.1, 2.2, 3.3, or 4.4 mg/L copper sulfate (CuSO₄ · 5H₂O) every other day for four treatments to evaluate its effectiveness to control mortality associated with ichthyophthiriasis. Water temperature was maintained at 18 ± 1°C. Fish were observed for ten days post-treatment and mortalities were recorded. Results indicate that half of the recommended dose (1.1 mg/L CuSO₄) is needed to effectively control an occurrence of ichthyophthiriasis under the conditions of this study. However, fish culturists should be aware that effective CuSO₄ treatment of ichthyophthiriasis on channel catfish raised in ponds may be influenced by water chemistry characteristics and suspended materials such as pond sediments.

KEYWORDS:

• Channel catfish
• copper sulfate
• effectiveness
• Ichthyophthirius multifiliis
• ichthyophthiriasis

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Mention of trade names or commercial products in this article is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Special thanks to Kelly Gill for technical help throughout the studies and the assistance of Dr. Sara Duke, USDA/ARS Southern Plains Area Statistician. Mr. Andrew J. Mitchell and Drs. Andrew A. Radomski, Andrew E. Goodwin, and James A. Steeby provided critical reviews of the manuscript.

Notes

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