Efficacy of Different Salt (NaCl) Concentrations in the Treatment of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis-Infected Silver Catfish, Rhamdia quelen, Fingerlings

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to evaluate different salt concentrations in the treatment of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. Silver catfish, Rhamdia quelen, fingerlings infected with I. multifiliis were submitted to four sodium chloride concentrations (g/L): 0,1,2, and 4 for 23 days. In a second experiment, fingerlings were maintained with 4 g/L salt, but for 45 days. Treatments with 2 and 4 g/L salt significantly increased fingerling survival compared with 0 and 1 g/L, and survival was significantly correlated with salt concentrations. In the second experiment, fish maintained at 4 g/L salt showed a gradual reduction of “white spots” and survival was 100%. Therefore, salt offers an alternative for treatment of silver catfish fingerlings infected with I. multifiliis.

Key Words:

• Fingerlings
• Ichthyophthirius multifiliis
• Rhamdia quelen salt
• silver catfish