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How do salmon branch worms find hosts in the ocean? Scientists are still solving this mystery!
Lepeophtheirus salmonis is a parasite of salmon, mainly Pacific and Atlantic salmon and sea bass. The parasite feeds on fish mucus, skin and blood and is a major problem in salmon farming. As the waters change, how salmon branch worms find and attach to suitable hosts in the vast ocean has become the focus of scientists.
"The life cycle of the salmon branchworm is crucial to its search for a host."
The life cycle of Salmobranchia consists of eight stages and exists in a direct evolutionary form. Each stage undergoes metamorphosis, especially during its planktonic larvae (nauplii) stage, which are nearly transparent and capable of drifting in the water with currents. Scientists still don't fully understand how they locate their hosts in such a vast environment, but this ability has allowed the salmonbranch worms to thrive for thousands of years.
The activity of these planktonic larvae is affected by light source and water salinity. The effect of low salinity on these planktonic stages appears to be greater than on the parasitic stages. When planktonic larvae encounter a suitable fish host in the sea, they will attach to the host's skin, fins or gills and begin their parasitic life.
"The surprising fact is that these planktonic larvae cannot swim against the current at all, but rely on their ability to adjust the depth of the water to find their host."
When salmon branch worms attach to their host, they will gradually transform into caterpillars (copepodids), which will move around and look for other fish as they grow. This process not only allows the parasites to survive effectively, but also allows them to cause problems in aquaculture. If the eggs are released into the water with the host, they can cause large-scale infections in the surrounding waters, posing a threat to healthy fish stocks. .
Salmon gillworms multiply rapidly in culture environments. According to reports, Scotland’s salmon industry experienced huge losses in 2016 due to the presence of salmon gillworms, with an estimated economic impact of approximately £300 million. To combat the parasite, farmers are exploring possible solutions, including genetic engineering and new technologies, such as using lasers to treat salmon gillworms.
"Gene selection and CRISPR technology have made new contributions to salmon's resistance to snails, bringing hope."
Scientists are using CRISPR technology to modify the genome of salmon to improve its immunity to salmon branch worms. Although the development of this biotechnology is still in the exploratory stage, it may become an important direction in solving the problem of salmon branch worms. However, the application of such technology to agricultural practices still presents many challenges.
With the development of science and technology and the increase in knowledge, scientific researchers are also exploring how to improve the growth environment of salmon to reduce the chance of salmon gillworm infection. The study points out that small changes in the environment and changes in feed mix may directly affect the health and outbreak rate of salmon, thereby affecting the productivity of the entire aquaculture industry.
Currently, research on Salmobrachia is still ongoing, with scientists exploring the genome structure of the parasite and its subtle relationship with its host. Through whole-genome analysis, researchers hope to unravel the mystery of this parasite so that the agricultural community can find better solutions so that farmed salmon can survive the challenges.
The presence of salmon gillworms not only affects aquaculture, but may also pose a threat to wild salmon populations. How will their ecosystems be affected?
