Identification of external parasites in Dwarf gourami (Colisa lalia) fish imported in Iran

Interest in ornamental fishes has developed in Iran and world. Most of these fishes are imported. Probability of exotic diseases transmission also increases with entering them into the new countries. Ectoparasite is an important problem in aquarium fishes. The aim of this research is determination of skin and gill parasites pollution in imported dwarf gourami (Colisa lalia) into Iran. Fifty seven out of one hundred and fifty fish were polluted. Parasites identified by parasite keys after preparing wet mounts and staining. Trichodina sp. (most frequent), Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (least frequent) and Ichthyobodo necatrix were identified as protozoan parasites. Heteronchocleidus buschkieli and Gyrodactylus sp. were the only monogeneans (metazoan) isolated parasites. H. buschkieli was just in gill and the others were observed in gill and skin. Supervision on fish health in international and domestic trades matters for disease prevention. Any trade or deal in ornamental fish without “HEALTH CERTIFICATE” can make harmful effects.