Parasitic Diseases Identified in Cyprinus carpio (Carp) Population Reared in a Recirculating Pilot Aquaponic System (RAS)

Abstract

The study presents the results concerning the health status of the fish population reared in a recirculating pilot aquaponic system (RAS). The biological material used for the experiments was divided into eight tanks and was represented by 2 year old carp (Cyprinus carpio) and vegetable biological material represented by lettuce (Lactuca sativa), cultured in an aquaponics system, during 2018-2019. The experiment used in this study was carried out for a period of 42 days. Parasitological analyzes for the identification of parasites were carried out by macroscopic and microscopic examinations on three fish samples from each experimental tank. The results of the pathological analyzes performed revealed the presence of both ectoparasites and endo parasites. Therefore, the research was oriented to underline the parasitosis which affects fishes reared in a RAS culture. Following the research, measures of preventing the spreading of the evaluated biological contaminants were recommended. Probiotics offer protection by creating a hostile environment for possible pathogens which compete for nutrients and which can affect the organism’s immune system.