Celia R. Lavilla-Pitogo

Occurrence of luminous bacterial disease of Penaeus monodon larvae in the Philippines

Larval mortalities associated with luminescence have been observed in epizootic proportions in black tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) hatcheries in Panay Island, Philippines. Luminescent vibrios, identified as Vibrio harveyi and V. splendidus, were isolated from infected larvae but not from uninfected ones. These bacteria were also recovered readily from seawater samples from nearshore areas, the main source of hatchery rearing water. Thus, it is possible that the nearshore seawater is one major source of infection. Pathogenicity tests resulted in significant mortalities of larvae and postlarvae of P. monodon within 48 h of immersion challenge. Scanning electron microscopic observations show that colonization by the bacteria occurred specifically on the feeding apparatus and oral cavity of the larvae, suggesting an oral route of entry for the initiation of infection.

Mortalities of pond-cultured juvenile shrimp, Penaeus monodon, associated with dominance of luminescent vibrios in the rearing environment

Severe mortalities due to luminescent vibrios occurred in pond-cultured Penaeus monodon juveniles particularly in the first 45 days of culture. Luminescent vibriosis epizootics led to reduced shrimp production due to mortalities and slow growth of affected stocks. Monitoring of bacterial population in the rearing water of several ponds was conducted from the time the ponds were flooded with water until 60 days of culture to understand the course of infection. Results showed that the occurrence of mortalities was preceded by a shift of the bacterial profile of the rearing water in infected ponds, notably the dominance of luminescent vibrios. Comparison of bacterial load in the rearing water and water source (river or open sea) showed elevated luminescent Vibrio counts in the former at 12 days to 3 weeks after initial entry of water. Histopathology of affected shrimps showed the hepatopancreas as the target organ of infection where severe inflammatory responses in the intertubular sinuses were seen.

A survey of chemical and biological products used in intensive prawn farms in the Philippines

With attractive prawn export prices and the availability of hatchery fry and commercial feeds, Philippine aquaculture has experienced a shift from milkfish to prawn Penaeus monodon and an intensification from traditional and extensive prawn culture to higher stocking densities. This paper features the results of a survey of intensive prawn farms (n = 21) in Western Visayas and Northern Mindanao conducted in 1990. Average farm size, production, feeding and water management are described. To solve the self-pollution characteristic of intensive ponds, the farms utilized some 40 chemical and biological products; at least another 35 were available in the market at the time of the study. These include therapeutants and disinfectants, soil conditioners, bacteria-enzyme preparations, algicides and piscicides, plankton growth promoters, and feed additives. The possible ecological effects of effluents drained into adjacent marine waters are discussed; some recommendations are given.

Agar-digesting bacteria associated with ‘rotten thallus syndrome’ of Gracilaria sp.

Abstract A condition of the tetrasporophyte stage Gracilaria spp., characterized by white to pinkish discoloration and gradual disintegration of the thallus, has been observed in tank-held stocks. Microscopic observation revealed no fungal or protozoan parasites. Appropriate dilutions of homogenates plated on nutrient agar and bromthymol blue teepol agar showed the presence of bacteria, all of which were agar-digesting, at the rate of 1.42 × 10 7 cells per g of affected thalli. Colonies on bromthymol blue teepol agar were round and yellow, while those on nutrient agar appeared creamy and round with entire edges, and were rapid agar digesters. The bacteria were Gram negative, fermentative and motile rods. Based on biochemical characteristics, the isolates were classified as belonging to the genus Vibrio . Microscopic observations of thalli cross-sections showed erosion of the pericarp, thus revealing the cortical and the medullary cells. Scanning electron microscopy revealed rod-shaped bacteria, including dividing cells, in affected tissues. Antibiotic sensitivity tests indicated that the bacteria were sensitive to Polymyxin B, nalidixic acid, nitrofurazone and oxytetracycline.

The Leiognathus aureus complex (Perciformes: Leiognathidae) with the description of a new species

Taxonomic analysis of a group of morphologically similar ponyfishes (Perciformes: Leiognathidae) establishes a complex comprising three valid species: Leiognathus aureus Abe and Haneda, 1972, widely distributed in the western Pacific Ocean (Taiwan, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and northern Australia); L. hataii Abe and Haneda, 1972, currently known only from Ambon, Indonesia; and L. panayensis sp. nov. Kimura and Dunlap, currently known only from Panay Island, the Philippines. The L. aureus complex can be defined by the following combination of characters: mouth protruding forward, not downward; small but sharp conical teeth uniserially on jaws; a black line between lower margin of eye and lower jaw articulation; and lateral line incomplete, ending below posterior part of dorsal fin base or on anterior caudal peduncle. Leiognathus hataii differs from both L. aureus and L. panayensis in having a large dark blotch below the spinous dorsal fin base and fewer counts of scales (lateral line scales 50–58 vs. 64–85 in the latter two species; scales above lateral line 7–10 vs. 12–18; scales below lateral line 22–26 vs. 30–41). Leiognathus panayensis is distinguished from L. aureus in having a deeper body (41–51% SL vs. 35–45% SL in the latter), long posterior limb of maxilla (21–25% HL vs. 15–23% HL), wholly scaled belly (vs. naked along preanal median keel), and a dark blotch on nape (vs. absent).

Enhancing disease monitoring in shrimp through a geographical information system (GIS) application

Abstracts for ISVEE XIs for ISVEE XI