Study and identification of external parasites in platyfish imported into Iran

Ornamental fish keeping is developing in Iran. Most of these fishes are not native and importing. External parasite is one of the most important difficulties in aquarium fishes. The aim of this study is determination of parasite pollution in skin and gills of imported platy fish. One hundred and fifty out of 220 platy fish was polluted. Parasites identification was done by wet mount, Staining and parasite keys. 5 parasite species were isolated, e.g. 2 protozoans, 2 monogeneans and 1 digenean. Protozoan parasites are Trichodina sp. and Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Monogeneans are Dactylogyrus sp., Gyrodactylus sp. and Ascocotyle tenioculis metacercaria as identified digenetic trematode. A. tenioculis and Dactylogyrus sp. only in gills and others in gills and skin were observed. Thus, besides regarding the quarantine period, precise examination and antiparasitic medications should be performed.