Mortality in protozoea and mysis of Penaeus indicus and P. semisulcatus by Leptomonas like parasite in the hatcheries

Abstract

A Leptomonas like parasite was found to be responsible for mortality of larvae of Penaeus indicus and P. semisu2catus in the hatcheries. The mortality occurred in protozoea and mysis stages but not in naupliar and postlarval stages of prawn. The parasite exhibited polymorphism and three different forms were observed. It occurred in the appendages, eyestalks, eyes and rostrum of the host. Histological sections showed the presence of this parasite in internal organs such as hepatopancreas, gut and abdominal muscle.