Parasitic diseases of whitefish (Coregoninae) (a review)

Purpose: To analyze the specialized literature and summarize the information on the main parasitic diseases of whitefish. Findings: Whitefish are members of the Salmoniformes, which are currently represented by 3 subgroups (Salmonidae, Coregonidae, Thymallidae). Whitefishes are widespread species of fish in the subarctic and boreal zones of Europe, Asia and North America and are the most important components of the ecological system and valuable objects of local and industrial fishery. But these fishes are frequently affected by parasitic diseases. This article contains the description of most common parasitic diseases of whitefish and of the main causative agent, clinical signs of diseases, and the main preventive measures to prevent the occurrence of these diseases in whitefish culture. Aquaculture of whitefish creates a competitive food production for one or two fattening seasons with their delicacy gastronomic benefits and high economic profitability. Products of whitefish are popular on external markets that is also a good motivation for improvement of the biotechnological development for various methods of cultivation of these valuable fish. However, with increasing amounts of production, transporting fish from one farm to another and crowded stocks of fish result in problems with diseases of different etiology. The above material describes main parasitic diseases that occur in whitefish including their main symptoms, which will help to identify them in time. Practical value. Information on the main parasitic diseases of whitefish was systematized. Most of the parasitic diseases known to the whitefish are ectoparasitosis. These are ichthyobodosis (costosis), trichodinosis, chylodonelosis, ichthioftirioz, trichophthirioz and cruciformis. Proteocephalosis, acanthocephalosis, diplomystomosis are the most dangerous among helminths. The short characteristic of these diseases is described and the methods of prophylaxis of these diseases are suggested. The review can be useful both for scientists dealing with the problem of whitefish acclimatization on the territory of Ukraine and for fish breeders already engaged in the whitefish aquaculture in Ukraine and abroad. Descriptions of symptoms of diseases will be useful for preliminary diagnostics of diseases.