Abstract
In 1975, a new vibriosis occurred in eels (Anguilla japonica and A. anguilla) cultured in Tokushima Prefecture in Shikoku Island of Japan. The disease prevailed in brackish water ponds (Cl-2-6‰) during summer and early autumn, when the water temperature of culture ponds ranged from 20°C to 30°C.
The causative Vibrio seems to be classified as Vibrio anguillarum B type (V. anguillarum f. anguillicida) suggested by NYBELIN (1935), but this type can no longer be included in V. anguillarum listed in Bergey's Manual of Determinative Bacteriology 8th ed. Assuming that V. anguillarum B type is independent of V. anguillarum, the present isolate is classified as V. anguillicida BRUUN and HEIBERG 1932.
On the other hand, in comparison with Vibrios listed in Bergey's Manual the characteristics of the present isolate are closely resemble to those of V. fischeri.
Thus, further investigation are necessary before the taxonomic status of the present Vibrio is determined.
