Monitoring of a shrimp culture system with special reference to Vibrio and fungi

Abstract

Microbiological studies in a modified extensive shrimp culture system was done for a period of 105 days. Periodical monitoring was carried out to assess the total heterotrophic bacteria and fungal counts both in sediment and water from the culture pond and also from the source (Uppanar estuary). The species of Vibrio and fungi encountered were also determined. The nutrient enriched aquaculture system supported higher microbial population than the open estuarine system. Potential shrimp pathogens like Vibrio alginolyticus, V. parahaemolyticus and Vibrio anguillarum were found to be in a considerable percentage in the aquaculture system. Of the fungal strains Aspergillus sp. was dominant both in the pond and in the source. Fusarium sp. which is a potential pathogen was absent during the course of this study.