Effects of Garlic (Allium sativum) and Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) extracts on Ichthyophthirius multifiliis parasite in Guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata)

Ornamental fish sector is considered a large international market and parasitical diseases cause a serious damage on this trade’s profits. This study was conducted to investigate the use of garlic (Allium sativum) and chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) aqueous extracts on suppression of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis parasite in guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata). Two experimental groups consisted of T1 (0.1 g/L garlic aqueous extract), T2 (0.4 g/L chamomiles aqueous extract), and control obtained. For each group, three replicates were prepared. The fish were exposed to parasite tomonts for 48h in a dark condition and then placed in a long-term bath with the mentioned herbal aqueous extracts for 14 days. At the end of the experiment period, the growth parameters, survival rate, parasite condition, and histopathological changes were investigated. No significant difference was observed in growth parameters. However, the survival rate in T2 was higher than in T1 and the control. The use of garlic extract after four days and chamomile extract after six days as a long term bath completely cured the parasitic issue in guppy fish. The histopathological study showed significant changes in the liver and gills of experimental fish. However, no histopathological change was observed in the control group. According to this study, garlic and chamomile had an effective influence on I. multifiliis parasite. These two herbs have reduced mortality rate and improved the guppy fish health and can be considered as alternative medicine and safe treatment in comparison with chemical solutions.