Environmental - Biosecurity, Ecosystems, Predation, Pollutants
The term Asian carp can be confusing, because it is generally applied to a group of related species, including the bighead (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), silver (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), grass (Ctenopharyngodon idella), and black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus). These fish can get quite large, up to 110 pounds, and they eat copious amounts of plankton. They are related to goldfish, Koi, and the common carp (Cyprinus carpio). The latter has already been established as an invasive species across most of North America for more than a century.
Read more about what is being done to control carp, about the extent of carp in the Illinois river, and identifying carp by gene sequencing - by clicking on the title or picture.
This article shows different behaviours of oxidative disinfectants in corrosivity and their relative efficacy under soiled conditions. The study was done by the makers of Halamid, but is an excellent primer in understanding disinfectant issues.
We know that stress can kill Koi by depressing their immune systems and making them susceptible to many pathogens. This study looked at the percentage of fish that died after capture and release during recreational fishing. Find out the survival rate by clicking on the picture or title...
Most people think of filtration as requiring mechanical or chemical means - but one sewage treatment plant is using fish! Now, you gotta think that cause Koi are omnivores, and they like to root around in the bottom of ponds, this might be something they would be really good at! Read the full story by clicking on the title or picture.
A new global analysis of seafood found that fish populations throughout the world's oceans are contaminated with industrial and agricultural pollutants, collectively known as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The study also uncovered some good news: concentrations of these pollutants have been consistently dropping over the last 30 years. Read the full story by clicking on the title or picture.
KHV affects our Koi, but now there is a Herpes Virus that is affecting oysters all over the world. The issues about biosecurity and finding a cure are similar to the problems faced by Koi keepers. Read more by clicking on the picture or title...
This is from an excellent post on the Fish Vet Blog. The Aussies are considering releasing KHV into the wild to reduce the effect of carp on the ecosystem. This rebuttal by Dr. Loh on other possible causes is interesting. Read the text by clicking on the title or picture...
It has often been said that we underestimate the amount of stress on our Koi and the ramifications of stress on Koi health... This article reviews fish handling guidelines, and also discusses the problems of improving fish welfare because of the lack of human empathy with fish.. This is an excellent article for people who fish, and emphasizes the need for humane euthanasia of our Koi. Read the article by clicking on the title or picture...
We all know that introducing pathogens into our pond systems causes disease. Some can be prevented by good Biosecurity, and this article re-iterates key points for Biosecurity. While it is written for recirculating aquaculture (raising prawns) - the points are definitely good review for all Koi keepers! I've highlighted the material in Bold in the article - that can be read by clicking on the title or picture above... Further information can be found in K.O.I. Course #208 - Biosecurity, Quarantine and Record Keeping - CLICK HERE
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