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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #191487

Title: TOXIC ALGAE IN SOUTHEASTERN AQUACULTURE SYSTEMS

Author
item Zimba, Paul

Submitted to: Catfish Farmers of America Research Symposium
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/1/2005
Publication Date: 3/1/2006
Citation: Zimba, P.V. 2006. Toxic algae in southeastern aquaculture systems. Catfish Farmers of America Research Symposium.

Interpretive Summary: Toxin producing algae have been documented in numerous catfish, striped bass, tilapia, and commercial minnow facilities. A review of available information suggests that microcystin, anatoxin-a, and prymnesin toxin are most common in these systems. General properties of each toxin are discussed as well as the impacted aquaculture species.

Technical Abstract: Toxin-producing algae are common in aquaculture facilities. Three divisions of algae have been identified as producing toxins: cyanobacteria, prymnesiophytes, and euglenoid algae. Cyanobacteria produce the most diverse forms including hepatic and neurologic forms. Prymnesin toxin is confined to saline production ponds, and is expanding northward.