Mycological Assessment and Prevalence of Fungal Infections in Major Indian Carp from the Local Fish Market of Hadgaon, Dist - Nanded

Over twelve months of sampling, fungal infection proved to be a common and economically meaningful problem among the major Indian carps sold at the Hadgaon fish market, affecting 21.88% of the 480 fish examined. Saprolegnia, Achlya and Aphanomyces were the leading genera recovered, with Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Mucor and Alternaria contributing in smaller measure. Infection was significantly more common in winter and in Labeo rohita relative to Catla catla and Cirrhinus mrigala (χ² = 6.84, df = 2, p < 0.05), and rose sharply with longer, more crowded holding at the market. Together, these results make a case for improving handling and storage practices at the local market, and offer a baseline for further fish-health work in the Nanded region. Mycotoxin screening of the recovered fungi, and trials of improved handling protocols at the market, would be logical next steps.

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