Quaglio - Environmental and Nutritional Issues Flashcards
What are the common environmental stressors affecting fish health?
Poor water quality (low oxygen, high ammonia, pH imbalances)
* Sudden temperature changes
* Turbidity and suspended solids
* Contaminants such as pesticides and heavy metals
What is Gas Bubble Disease (GBD), and its cause?
A condition caused by supersaturation of gases (e.g., nitrogen or oxygen)
* Results in gas emboli in tissues and organs
What are the symptoms of Gas Bubble Disease (GBD)?
Exophthalmos (protruding eyes)
* Abnormal swimming behavior
* Visible gas bubbles under the skin or fins
* Sudden mortality in severe cases
How can Gas Bubble Disease be prevented?
Avoid supersaturation of gases in water systems
* Aerate water adequately to release excess gases
* Monitor and control water flow rates
How does UV radiation affect fish health?
Causes sunburn and acute epidermal necrosis in shallow or clear water
* Can lead to immunosuppression and increased susceptibility to diseases
What are the effects of turbidity on fish?
Impairs gill function and oxygen uptake
* Reduces visual feeding efficiency
* Can cause stress and abrasion to fish skin
What water quality parameters are critical for fish health?
Dissolved oxygen (DO): Minimum 5 mg/L for most species
* Ammonia: Should be <0.02 mg/L as un-ionized ammonia
* pH: Optimal range is 6.5–8.0
* Temperature: Species-specific tolerance ranges
How does low dissolved oxygen (DO) affect fish?
Leads to hypoxia, causing lethargy, gasping, and mortality
* Chronic low DO can impair growth and reproduction
How does ammonia toxicity occur in fish?
Caused by accumulation of un-ionized ammonia (NH3) in water
* Exacerbated by high pH and temperature
What are the symptoms of ammonia toxicity in fish?
Reddening of gills and body
* Lethargy and surface gasping
* Reduced feeding and sudden mortality
How can ammonia levels be reduced in aquaculture systems?
Regular water changes to dilute ammonia
* Use of biofilters to convert ammonia to less toxic forms (nitrification)
* Avoid overfeeding to reduce organic waste
How does pH imbalance affect fish health?
Low pH (<6): Causes acidosis, damaging gills and impairing osmoregulation
* High pH (>8.5): Leads to alkalosis and increased ammonia toxicity
What are the effects of heavy metal contamination on fish?
Accumulation in gills, liver, and kidneys
* Causes oxidative stress and tissue damage
* Impairs reproduction and growth
What are the signs of Vitamin C deficiency in fish?
Skeletal deformities (scoliosis, lordosis)
* Reduced growth and poor wound healing
* Increased susceptibility to infections
What is the role of Vitamin C in fish health?
Essential for collagen synthesis and immune function
* Prevents oxidative damage in tissues
What are the symptoms of Vitamin E deficiency in fish?
Muscular dystrophy (muscle degeneration)
* Fatty liver and hemorrhages
* Reduced reproductive success
How does Vitamin K deficiency manifest in fish?
Leads to spontaneous bleeding and hemorrhages
* Affects blood clotting ability
What are the impacts of protein deficiency on fish?
Reduced growth and poor condition
* Increased susceptibility to diseases
* Muscle wasting and deformities in severe cases
How does poor water temperature management affect fish?
Sudden temperature changes cause stress and immune suppression
* Extreme temperatures disrupt metabolism and respiration
What are the effects of nitrate accumulation in fish tanks?
Chronic exposure leads to reduced growth and reproduction
* Can cause methemoglobinemia (brown blood disease)
What is the significance of balanced nutrition in aquaculture?
Supports optimal growth, reproduction, and immunity
* Prevents deficiencies and related diseases
How does overcrowding in aquaculture systems impact fish health?
Increases stress and aggression among fish
* Leads to poor water quality and disease outbreaks
What are the common symptoms of environmental stress in fish?
Erratic swimming and lethargy
* Loss of appetite and weight loss
* Increased susceptibility to infections
What are the key strategies to maintain good water quality in aquaculture?
Regular water changes and aeration
* Use of filtration systems and biofilters
* Monitoring key parameters (pH, DO, ammonia)
What is the impact of pesticide contamination on fish?
Disrupts nervous and reproductive systems
* Causes bioaccumulation, affecting predators in the food chain
How does suspended solids (turbidity) affect fish?
Causes gill irritation and clogging
* Reduces light penetration, affecting photosynthesis in aquatic plants
What is the role of aeration in aquaculture?
Increases dissolved oxygen levels
* Reduces buildup of harmful gases (e.g., CO2, ammonia)
How does Vitamin A deficiency manifest in fish?
Poor vision and skin lesions
* Reduced growth and reproductive success
* Increased mortality in larvae and fry
What are the benefits of using probiotics in aquaculture?
Improves gut health and nutrient absorption
* Reduces harmful bacterial populations in water
* Enhances fish immunity and growth
How can stress in aquaculture be minimized?
Avoid overcrowding and rough handling
* Maintain optimal water quality and temperature
* Provide balanced nutrition and a stable environment
