Fish health flashcards

Question 1

Why is fish health important in aquaculture?

Answer 1

Healthy fish ensure high survival rates, better marketing, and reduce disease risks.

Question 2

Name two main risks associated with marine aquaculture operations.

Answer 2

Amplification of diseases and introduction of non-native pathogens.

Question 3

Why do disease events occur more easily in fish farms?

Answer 3

High stocking density and slower removal of infected fish.

Question 4

List two management practices used to control bacterial diseases in farmed fish.

Answer 4

Vaccines and probiotics.

Question 5

What is the focus of viral disease management in aquaculture?

Answer 5

Monitoring, good nutrition, genetics, low-stress environments, and fish removal when infected.

Question 6

How are parasites controlled on fish farms?

Answer 6

Therapeutants, farm fallowing, pest management, and using cleaner fish.

Question 7

What role do mucosal barriers play in fish health?

Answer 7

They prevent infections and enhance survival by forming key immune defense lines.

Question 8

What are the two main categories of immune responses in fish?

Answer 8

Innate (non-specific) and acquired (adaptive/specific) immunity.

Question 9

Name the primary lymphoid organs in fish.

Answer 9

Head kidney and thymus.

Question 10

Name the secondary lymphoid organs in fish.

Answer 10

Head kidney, spleen, and MALT (mucosal tissues).

Question 11

Which organ plays the major immune role in fish?

Answer 11

Head kidney.

Question 12

What is the function of macrophages in fish?

Answer 12

Phagocytosis of pathogens.

Question 13

Which granulocytes are first responders in fish?

Answer 13

Neutrophils.

Question 14

Which innate immune component helps in tagging pathogens for destruction?

Answer 14

Complement system.

Question 15

What are cytokines?

Answer 15

Proteins that regulate immune responses by cell communication.

Question 16

What distinguishes innate from acquired immunity?

Answer 16

Innate is non-specific and immediate; acquired is specific and develops memory.

Question 17

What type of lymphocytes produce antibodies?

Answer 17

B lymphocytes.

Question 18

What do helper T-cells do?

Answer 18

Activate other immune cells.

Question 19

What is the main antibody found in fish?

Answer 19

IgM.

Question 20

What are the three parts of the fish epithelial barrier?

Answer 20

Extrinsic, intrinsic, and immunological barriers.

Question 21

Name four mucosal barriers found in fish.

Answer 21

Skin (SALT), Gills (GIALT), Gut (GALT), Olfactory epithelium (NALT).

Question 22

What is the role of mucus in fish immunity?

Answer 22

Traps pathogens, supports good bacteria, and contains antimicrobial substances.

Question 23

Which cells produce mucins in fish mucus?

Answer 23

Goblet cells.

Question 24

What are the two main layers of fish skin?

Answer 24

Epidermis and dermis.

Question 25

What is the role of the dermis in fish?

Answer 25

Provides structural support, respiratory functions, and blood supply.

Question 26

What type of scales have smooth margins?

Answer 26

Cycloid scales.

Question 27

What happens to fish epidermis during injury?

Answer 27

Epithelial cells migrate to form a protective barrier and heal the wound.

Question 28

What are the two types of teleost scales?

Answer 28

Cycloid and ctenoid scales.

Question 29

What forms the intrinsic barrier in the fish gut?

Answer 29

Enterocytes and tight junctions.

Question 30

What is the function of tight junctions in the gut?

Answer 30

Regulate selective passage and maintain barrier integrity.

Question 31

What gut region in fish has the highest bacterial density?

Answer 31

Posterior gut.

Question 32

What effect does chronic stress have on the fish gut?

Answer 32

Weakens the intestinal barrier and increases infection risk.

Question 33

How does soybean meal affect fish gut health?

Answer 33

It causes inflammation and increases gut permeability.

Question 34

Name two immune cell types found in the fish gut.

Answer 34

Macrophages and lymphocytes.

Question 35

What does paracellular permeability measure?

Answer 35

Passive diffusion of small molecules through tight junctions.

Question 36

What causes increased gut permeability during stress?

Answer 36

Cortisol affects tight-junction permeability and ion transport.

Question 37

Why is studying mucus composition important?

Answer 37

It helps assess fish health and response to environmental changes.