Based on twenty years of research experience, this unique, large format volume presents an up-to-date treatment of the biology, relation to the host, taxonomy and diagnostic features of protozoan parasites infecting fishes. By presenting definitions of all 151 genera, keys for the determination of all main groups of fish protozoa, copious illustrations and half-tone plates, and details on the technique of investigation, the book makes it possible to determine all protozoan parasites of fishes down to generic level. In each genus, all important pathogenic species are dealt with, special attention being paid to their pathogenic action, and these are well documented by photomicrographs. A wide range of information is given on host-parasite relations, including data on pathogenicity of separate groups and species; and a host-parasite checklist enables a quick orientation on protozoa that may be encountered in one hundred economically important fish species. In addition to the to the true protozoan phyla, an appendix lists a few organisms of uncertain position with alleged or possible relation to protozoa; altogether, 561 species are described. This book is the first of its kind and should be invaluable reading for all fish parasitologists, fisheries biologists, aquaculturists and all others interested in protozoan parasites of fishes.

Focusing on pathobiology and protective strategies against protozoan and metazoan parasites of fish, this book reviews the latest research on important parasites: those that cause financial hardships to the aquaculture industry, have been introduced to new geographical regions through transportation of infected fish, are pathogenic to groups of finfish and detrimental to production, are highly adaptable and not host-specific with worldwide distributions, and that may serve as disease models for studies on other pathogens. It also highlights gaps in the knowledge to help direct future research.

"A remarkable accomplishment.... [This volume] has been and will continue to be a major force advancing freshwater fish parasitology."—Ernest H. Williams Jr., from the ForewordThis thoroughly revised and updated edition of a classic reference work is the definitive guide to the identification of the parasites of freshwater fishes of North America. The book provides information on public health concerns about fish parasites, the methods used to examine fish for parasites, and those parasites found only in very selective organs or tissues. It lists the known species of each genus, along with reference citations that enable readers to find literature pertinent to species identification, life cycles, and in some cases, control. In the heart of the book, each chapter opens with a description of a phylum and its relevant families and genera, followed by a species list for those genera. Drawings illustrate a representative of each genus, and are supplemented by photographic examples.Many new parasites of North American freshwater fishes have been discovered since the publication of the first edition thirty years ago. For this new edition, the author has added new species accounts and revised the taxonomy, expanded descriptions and discussion of the most important fish parasites, provided a glossary to aid nonspecialists, and updated the reference list through 1992. The volume features twice as many illustrations as the first edition, including the addition of 33 color photographs.

Parasitology today focused on studying parasites infecting fish. Parasitic infestation is one of the most important problems facing fish breeding and production. All fish carry pathogens and parasites. Among fish parasites, especially ectoparasites, protozoa occupy a very important and dangerous group that causes severe economic losses and mortalities in freshwater pisciculture. Also, monogenetic trematodes of freshwater fishes could be considered as one of the most prevalent diseases affecting skin and gills, which included irritation, severe destruction of the gills, impaired breathing as well as severe losses too.the present study aimed to investigate the incidence, identification and morphological description of some protozoan parasites and monogenetic trematodes infecting different fresh water fish species collected from two different ecosystems along the River Nile in Egypt, the first ecosystem represented by a location at Giza province, and the Pharonic Sea located at Menoufia province represented the other ecosystem. This study depended on light and transmission electron microscopy.