title: Current status of parasitic ciliates Chilodonella spp. (Phyllopharyngea: Chilodonellidae) in freshwater fish aquaculture.
abstract: Freshwater fish farming contributes to more than two-thirds of global aquaculture production. Parasitic ciliates are one of the largest causes of production loss in freshwater farmed fishes, with species from the genus Chilodonella being particularly problematic. While Chilodonella spp. include 'free-living' fauna, some species are involved in mortality events of fish, particularly in high-density aquaculture. Indeed, chilodonellosis causes major productivity losses in over 16 species of farmed freshwater fishes in more than 14 countries. Traditionally, Chilodonella species are identified based on morphological features; however, the genus comprises yet uncharacterized cryptic species, which indicates the necessity for molecular diagnostic methods. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the biology, ecology and geographic distribution of harmful Chilodonella spp. and examines pathological signs, diagnostic methods and treatments. Recent advances in molecular diagnostics and the ability to culture Chilodonella spp. in vitro will enable the development of preventative management practices and sustained freshwater fish aquaculture production.
authors.affiliation: Marine Biology and Aquaculture Sciences, College of Science and Engineering and Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia.
authors.forename: G
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4024-1418
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bastos Gomes
authors.affiliation: Marine Biology and Aquaculture Sciences, College of Science and Engineering and Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia.
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Jerry
authors.affiliation: Marine Biology and Aquaculture Sciences, College of Science and Engineering and Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia.|Fish Health Laboratory, Department of Fisheries Western Australia, South Perth, WA, Australia.
authors.forename: T L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.affiliation: Marine Biology and Aquaculture Sciences, College of Science and Engineering and Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia.
authors.forename: K S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Hutson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017756:Aquaculture; D016798:Ciliophora / Q000502:physiology*; D016770:Ciliophora Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D005393:Fish Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D005618:Fresh Water / Q000469:parasitology
keywords: Chilodonellidae; aquatic animal health; ciliate parasites; fish disease; fish farming; free-living ciliates