Infectious diseases and treatment solutions of farmed greater amberjackSeriola dumeriliwith particular emphasis in Mediterranean region

Greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) is a very promising candidate for the diversification of the Mediterranean aquaculture due to its high demand, excellent flesh quality and high market prices. Its production expansion has, however, failed so far, due to several bottlenecks mainly related to pathology. This review addresses the major pathogens, which hinder the culture of greater amberjack with special focus in the Mediterranean region, and highlights possible treatment solutions. Among the important recorded pathogens of caged greater amberjack in the Mediterranean, the gill monogeneanZeuxapta seriolaeseems to be the most problematic, causing significant losses. While formalin immersions are inefficient to combat this parasite, baths with hydrogen peroxide are extremely effective and praziquantel administration could be a more practical in-feed treatment solution. The digenean blood flukes,Paradeontacylixspp., also account for important losses in greater amberjack farms in the same region. Dietary administration of praziquantel constitutes an effective therapeutic measure against those infections.Vibrio harveyiis also a bacterial pathogen severely affecting fish maintained both in land-based facilities and in cages, whereas Epitheliocystis is a disease reported frequently that can be fatal when it occurs at early stages. Skin flukes such asBenedenia seriolaeandNeobenedenia girellaeas well as other parasites bacteria and viruses mentioned herein, which have caused substantial losses in Asian enterprises, but have not been identified yet in greater amberjack farmed in the Mediterranean, should be considered as potential threats.

Automated summary

Greater amberjack is a promising species for Mediterranean aquaculture, facing challenges from various pathogens such as gill monogenean, blood flukes, and bacterial pathogens like Vibrio harveyi. Effective treatment solutions include hydrogen peroxide baths, praziquantel administration, and dietary praziquantel against different infections.