Report on mucus aggregation in Catla catla associated with extensive culture tanks

Aquaculture is one of the fast growing and important food-producing sectors in India. In contrast to the aquaculture production, a silent factor that threatens the productivity is diseases and its impact. In comparison with infectious diseases, low attention is drawn in the case of non-infectious diseases. Several behavioral abnormalities are unobserved at field level due to their low prevalence and economic losses. Non-infectious diseases are mainly caused due to improper management practices in a culture. The current study was based on field observations of fish tanks cultured with three species Catla (Catla catla), Rohu (Labeo rohita) and Pangus (Pangasius sp.). In this case report, a peculiar sign of morbid fishes with excessive production of mucus in an abnormal fashion without symptom was observed. Nutrient-rich poultry manure was used as a feed and manure for the development of natural feed in fish culture tanks was believed to be the cause of concern. High mortalities were noticed in Catla population in the polycultural tanks. Finally, fishes were recovered after the treatment with lime and limiting the use of poultry litter.