Abstract

This study employed high-throughput sequencing technology to analyze the fungal community structure in recirculating aquaculture water used for rearing Labidochromis caeruleus at the Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Museum. The fungal community structure changed significantly before and after the fish developed disease symptoms. Prior to disease onset, the fungal community exhibited high diversity and richness. After disease occurrence, the Alpha diversity indices decreased markedly, species diversity declined substantially, and the original balance of the community structure was disrupted. The relative abundance of the genus Aspergillus increased from 0.42% to 1.06%. To prevent and control fungal diseases effectively in this system, we recommend replacing the feed and biological filter media, along with performing regular partial water changes. These measures can improve animal welfare and enable fish to better resist opportunistic pathogenic factors.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.