Deborah B. Pouder
0000-0003-2840-9206

staff

coordinator of research programs and services, diagnostic lab manager, School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program, UF/IFAS Extension Tropical Aquaculture Lab, Ruskin, FL

TAL Profile

Publications

Dissolved Oxygen for Fish Production

Ruth Francis-Floyd
Other Contacts: Deborah B. Pouder

This document is about dissolved oxygen (DO). DO refers to oxygen gas that is dissolved in water. Fish "breathe" oxygen just as land animals do. However, fish are able to absorb oxygen directly from the water into their bloodstream using gills, whereas land animals use lungs to absorb oxygen from the atmosphere. First published in 1992.

Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (White Spot) Infections in Fish

Ruth Francis-Floyd, Roy P. E. Yanong, andDeborah B. Pouder

Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) is a protozoan parasite that can cause severe losses in aquaculture and aquariums. It can be introduced via new fish, substrates, plants, or equipment. Preventive measures include quarantining and treating new fish, holding plants without fish, and disinfecting decorations. Ich can cause rapid, high mortality among fish. Immediate treatment is necessary due to its fast reproduction. Since only the infective theront stage is susceptible to treatment, repeated treatments or prolonged salt use are required. Daily tank cleaning during treatment helps remove the parasite. Survivors can carry the parasite and reinfect others. This document is about how effective management and biosecurity practices, including quick treatment and multiple treatments during outbreaks, can help to control Ich and minimize economic losses. First published March 1991.

Ammonia in Aquatic Systems

Craig Watson, Ruth Francis-Floyd, Denise Petty, Barbara D. Petty, Craig A. Watson, andDeborah B. Pouder

Management of ammonia, the primary waste product of fish, is critical to fish health, especially in intensive systems. At low concentrations, ammonia causes stress and damages gills and other tissues. Fish exposed to low levels of ammonia over time are more susceptible to bacterial infections, have poor growth, and do not tolerate routine handling well. At higher concentrations, it will kill fish. Many unexplained production losses have likely been caused by ammonia.

Monogenean Parasites of Fish

Ruth Francis-Floyd, RuthEllen Klinger, Denise Petty, Barbara D. Petty, andDeborah B. Pouder

Monogeneans are a class of parasitic flatworms that are commonly found on fishes and lower aquatic invertebrates. Most monogeneans are browsers that move about freely on the fish’s body surface feeding on mucus and epithelial cells of the skin and gills; however, a few adult monogeneans will remain permanently attached to a single site on the host. Some monogenean species invade the rectal cavity, ureter, body cavity, and even the blood vascular system. Between 4,000 and 5,000 species of monogeneans have been described. They are found on fishes in fresh and saltwater, and in a wide range of water temperatures.