Pests/parasites and diseases of milkfish in the Philippines

Abstract

This paper presents all known parasites of milkfish (Chanos chanos ) in the Philippines. The major parasitic groups include acanthocephalans, copepods, isopods, and heterophyid flukes. The number of parasitic species found in ponds is small compared with those harbored by the fish in its natural environment. Parasites with a direct life cycle usually survive in ponds as flagellates, ciliates, myxosporidians, coccidia, and parasitic arthropods under improper management. The methods of treatment, prevention and control of these parasites are discussed.