Study of the cause of losses of green terror (Andinoacara rivulatus) in an ornamental fish farm in Nazarabad, Alborz Province

Green terror (Andinoacara rivulatus) is one of the most popular ornamental freshwater fish of the Cichlidae, which is very common in our country. The aim of this study was to investigate the cause of green terror losses in an ornamental fish breeding center. In the summer of 1400, following the chronic and continuous losses of mature green terrors in a center for the reproduction and breeding of ornamental fish in Nazarabad, Alborz province with signs of white feces hanging from the anus of the fish, the fish were sampled. The fish were referred to the ornamental fish clinic of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, in fish bags with the same water as the sampling site. In macroscopic examinations, thinness and paleness of the fish were evident. To investigate parasitic contamination of fish skin and gills, wet smears were prepared and then examined under a light microscope. Then, the fish were facilitated and necropsied. The result of bacterial culture was negative. Internal organs such as the intestines were examined for parasitic infections. No parasitic contamination was observed on skin and gills. Microscopic examination of the intestine showed infection with Capillaria eggs and parasite with high severity. In the present study, the severity of Capillaria infection was very high and the cause of losses was determined. In order to treat the rest of the fish, levamisole was administered for 48 hours every 7 days for 21 days. The losses were completely eliminated and, in the re-examination, no infection was observed after 21 days.