Pseudomonas lipopeptide: a novel strategy against Chilodonella in African banded barb

The aquarium market represents a significant segment of Brazil’s pet industry. The African banded barb (Enteromius fasciolatus Günther, 1868) is highly valued for its striking coloration, particularly among exotic fish enthusiasts. However, fish translocation can induce stress, making them susceptible to various pathogens, especially parasitic protozoa. Chilodonella sp., an oval-shaped ciliated protozoan, infects the skin and gills of fish, leading to emaciation, hypoxia, lethargy, and potentially death. Environmentally friendly alternatives are essential for sustainable aquaculture. This study evaluated the use of natural lipopeptide surfactants produced by Pseudomonas spp. as a green treatment for chilodonellosis in E. fasciolatus. Suspected parasitic infections in the gills led to the collection of skin scrapings and gill biopsies from ten symptomatic fish. Wet mount microscopy at 4×, 10×, and 20× magnifications confirmed the presence of Chilodonella sp. Following 48 h of treatment with the natural lipopeptide surfactant, subsequent examinations showed no trace of the parasite. The remaining fish exhibited no clinical signs of infestation. These findings suggest that natural lipopeptide surfactants offer an effective and environmentally friendly alternative for managing Chilodonella sp. infections in ornamental fish, contributing to environmentally sustainable practices in the aquarium industry.