Branchiomycosis of the Reared Japanese Eel in Taiwan

Abstract

Branchiomycosis broke out among the reared Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) in summer, 1977, in Taiwan. The causative fungus had characteristics similar to B. sanguinis.
Fungal hyphae grew in the filamental arteries and lamella capillaries in the gills. Intrahyphal spore-formation was observed in the well grown hyphae. The affected lamellae showed severe circulatory disturbance as dilatation of capillaries, hemorrhages and fibrin deposition. Metastatic lesions with hyphae and spores were observed in the epicardium, but the spleen only spores.