Fungal infection in the tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) and in other crustaceans from the Cochin Backwaters

Abstract

Infection of the two species of fungi (Phycomycetes) in the tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) and three species in amphipods (Gammarus sp.) and tanaeidaceans (Apseudes sp.) was observed. Of the two pathogens in the shrimp, Leptolegnia marina produced more serious necrotic lesions than Saprolegnia parasitica. In the other crustaceans, Achlya racemosa and another Achlya sp. were also recorded besides S. parasitica. Experimental infection showed that smaller and thin-shelled crustaceans were more susceptible to fungal attacks than the bigger shrimps. The significance of the co-existence between the shrimps and the two species of fungi which naturally occur in different environments has been discussed