Studies on Hexamita Disease in Intestine of Discus, Symphysodon aequifasciata

Abstract

The occurrence of Hexamita disease, intestinal parasitic infection, in Discus, Symphysodon aequifasciata were collected from a farm in Bangkok and studied from January to December, 1991. The incidence of this disease showed high percentage in July. Histopathological examination of the examined fish revealed inflammation of the intestine, enteritis and leucocytes proliferation. Many parasites were found in the inflamed area. There was no parasite and pathological changes were found in liver, kidney, spleen, and stomach of examined fish. Four chemotherapeutic agents were used for treatment of the infested fish. It was found that the Metronidazole at a concentration of 10,000 ppm gave more effective in eliminating the parasites than Furazolidone, Copper sulphate and Magnesium sulphate, at concentrations of 75 ppm, 1 ppm and 3 percent in feed respectively.