Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Departement of Fisheries, Aquaculture, Hasanuddin University
2
Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia
10.21608/ejabf.2025.425962.6623
Abstract
Milkfish (Chanos chanos (Forsskål, 1775)) is a primary aquaculture commodity in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia. The intensification of aquaculture systems increases the risk of bacterial and parasitic infections, which may lead to significant production loss. This study aimed to identify bacterial and parasitic pathogens in milkfish from two aquaculture sites in South Sulawesi: the Milkfish Pond Installation (ITP) Marana, Maros, and community ponds in Pangkep. Gill histopathological examination, parasite identification, and bacterial isolation on tryptic soy agar (TSA) and thiosulfate-citrate-bile salts sucrose (TCBS) media, followed by identification using VITEK matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization, showed marked differences between sites. At ITP Marana, Maros, parasite prevalence was low (3.3%), with only Zoothamnium sp. being detected. In contrast, in the Pangkep community ponds, the prevalence was very high (66.7%), dominated by Trichodina sp. and Apiosoma sp., with an intensity of 51 parasites per fish. Bacterial profiles also differed, with Maros samples dominated by Staphylococcus spp. and opportunistic bacteria, whereas Pangkep samples showed dominance of Vibrio spp. and the more virulent Photobacterium damselae. Gill histopathology revealed hyperplasia, haemorrhage, and congestion, indicating interactions between tissue damage caused by parasites and bacterial colonisation. These findings provide baseline epidemiological data on multi-pathogen infections in milkfish aquaculture and emphasize the need for integrated biosecurity strategies.
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