First Case of Chronic Systemic Spironucleosis in Freshwater Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare Schultze, 1823) in Turkey

This study aimed to identify the cause of sustained mortality in freshwater angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare Schultze, 1823) kept at an ornamental fish production facility Türkiye. Parasitological, bacteriological and histopathological examination were performed on moribund hybrid individuals. The had haemorrhaged eyes, darkened skin, scale loss, ascites false faeces. A pale liver, splenomegaly a thinning intestinal wall observed internally. parasitological revealed flagellated protozoan endoparasite Spironucleus sp. intestine. number changes including lipid degeneration hemosiderin deposits as well granulomas spleen, large mast cells lamina propria intestine enteritis. Numerous parasites seen wall. According physiological biochemical tests, bacterial isolates obtained from visceral organs some identified Citrobacter freundii. After oral metronidazole treatment, with dose 50 mg/kg daily for 5 days, decrease resumed feeding noted. chronic spironucleosis, which systemically affects by penetrating mucosa, was this angelfish.