Due to the recent rapid development of freshwater aquaculture in the Caucasus Region, many new and previously known fish diseases have appeared. One of the most prominent features of the region’s aquaculture is that it is mostly based on the rearing of cyprinids, mainly the common carp (Cyprinus carpio), as well as a few other predatory fish species. As a result, this book focuses on the diseases that affect these and other important warmwater fish species. Although this field guide covers the diseases of warmwater fish of Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia, it also draws upon the extensive knowledge base available for the countries of Central Europe and the former Soviet Union, as well as recent research findings from the Islamic Republic of Iran and from Turkey. The major warmwater fish species cultured in the region and their health status are discussed, and two major categories of disease are recognized: biotic and abiotic diseases. Although there are numerous biotic diseases, abiotic factors (e.g. lack of oxygen, temperature, feeding mistakes) remain the main cause of losses in aquaculture. The best practices for the field and laboratory examination of disease outbreaks are reviewed, and the importance of accurate and detailed data recording emphasized. Prevention as a key factor in avoiding the spread of disease is highlighted, and actions to prevent the spread of diseases between farms, regions, countries and continents are discussed. Possible methods for the treatment of each disease are reviewed; unfortunately, the chemicals available for use in aquaculture are now rather limited, as many of them are hazardous to both the environment and human health. Of the viral diseases discussed, spring viraemia of carp (SVC) and koi herpesvirus (KHV) pose the greatest threats to the world’s carp populations. Of the bacterial diseases, ulcer disease is still the main problem in carp culture, while among the parasites, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, the cause of white spot disease, is among the most important. Exotic parasites such as various Thelohanellus species, as well as tapeworms belonging to the genera Bothriocephalus and Khawia, are responsible for a considerable amount of damage. Some diseases of unknown aetiology are also discussed.

Following a short introduction to the species and its closest commercially viable related species, namely pirapatinga (Piaractus brachypomus) and pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus), this field guide provides practical information on the culture and reproduction of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum). As a field guide it aims to support the understanding and dissemination of applicable technologies for the culture and reproduction of tambaqui, i.e. what should be done – as well as when and how it should be done – in order to achieve success in the artificial propagation as well as the fingerling and table fish production stages. The concise technical descriptions in this guide are accompanied by self-explanatory illustrations and a reader-friendly glossary of technical terms, which is important for tambaqui aquaculture farmers.

This field guide provides practical information on the field monitoring of the physical, chemical and biological properties of inland waters exploited by fisheries and aquaculture. After introducing the concept and topics, it discusses the qualities of inland waters in detail. Water properties are grouped by chapter, based on abiotic or biotic factor, or indeed both. Chapters and sections are supported by illustrations and practical explanations of how to discover, understand and solve water-quality-related problems. The practical guides presented at the end of each chapter discuss the different water properties important for fisheries and pond fish culture. As climate change is a problem of increasing importance, an additional chapter on climate and climate change implications, together with the application of meteorology to inland fisheries and aquaculture, is also included. The annexes provide a guide to identifying water types and the main organisms which live in them. Annex 4 systematically presents equipment, kits and instruments which could be used to check the physical, chemical and biological properties of inland waters used for fisheries and aquaculture. This richly illustrated guide also includes a glossary where simple and clear definitions and explanations, together with substantial science-based background information, can be found. Terms included in the glossary are asterisked and italicized.

This document provides technical information on broodstock management and identifies the main problems and challenges for the application of modern techniques for breeding management of the broodstock of common carp and Chinese herbivorous fish in the Central Asia and the Caucuses.

This document aims to provide basic technical guidance for better management practices (BMPs) for small carp culture in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia region. These BMPs are expected to be practically useful for regional fisheries and aquaculture research institutions, regional organizations as well as for people involved in aquaculture, particularly owners of carp hatcheries and farms, and employees of these establishments.