Wild Fish Research Articles

Reconstructing a century of marine landings and fishing effort in Malaysia and Singapore

Abstract Marine capture fisheries are crucial for many coastal communities in Malaysia and Singapore. However, knowledge of the historical state of the marine fishing resources, particularly during the British colonial period, remains limited. We compiled annual species landing data and fishing metrics from colonial and contemporary fishery reports spanning 114 years, from 1907 to 2021. Our results revealed a steady increase in species landings over 90 years, peaking in 2016 before declining in recent years. Through three case studies, we highlight high colonial landings of fusiliers (Caesionidae) from Singapore, reflecting extensive fishing operations across Southeast Asia. Bayesian Change Point analyses also identified increases in lobster landings along the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the mid-1980s, with fishing operations expanding from Johor northward through Pahang and Terengganu. Granger-causality tests revealed significant associations between Indian mackerel landings and the number of powered fishing boats in Perlis and Kedah in western Peninsular Malaysia, with varying lag intervals among each state. While these results enhance our understanding of fisheries trends, spatial expansion of fisheries and technological changes complicate the interpretation of fishery trends. Our results suggest that the plateau in global fishery landings since the 1980s may also have already occurred in Southeast Asia.

Comparative transcriptomics reveal stage-dependent parasitic adaptations in the myxozoan Sphaerospora molnari

BackgroundParasitism as a life strategy has independently evolved multiple times within the eukaryotic tree of life. Each lineage has developed mechanisms to invade hosts, exploit resources, and ensure replication, but our knowledge of survival mechanisms in many parasitic taxa remain extremely limited. One such group is the Myxozoa, which are obligate, dixenous cnidarians. Evidence suggests that myxozoans evolved from free-living ancestors to endoparasites around 600 million years ago and are likely one of the first metazoan parasites on Earth. Some myxozoans pose significant threats to farmed and wild fish populations, negatively impacting aquaculture and fish stocks; one such example is Sphaerospora molnari, which forms spores in the gills of common carp (Cyprinus carpio), disrupting gill epithelia and causing somatic and respiratory failure. Sphaerospora molnari undergoes sequential development in different organs of its host, with large numbers of morphologically distinct stages occurring in the blood, liver, and gills of carp. We hypothesize that these parasite life-stages differ in regards to their host exploitation, pathogenicity, and host immune evasion strategies and mechanisms. We performed stage-specific transcriptomic profiling to identify differentially expressed key functional gene groups that relate to these functions and provide a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms S. molnari uses to optimize its parasitic lifestyle. We aimed to identify genes that are likely related to parasite pathogenicity and host cell exploitation mechanisms, and we hypothesize that genes unique to S. molnari might be indicative of evolutionary innovations and specific adaptations to host environments.ResultsWe used parasite isolation protocols and comparative transcriptomics to study early proliferative and spore-forming stages of S. molnari, unveiling variation in gene expression between each stage. We discovered several apparent innovations in the S. molnari transcriptome, including proteins that are likely to function in the uptake of previously unknown key nutrients, immune evasion factors that may contribute to long-term survival in hosts, and proteins that likely improve adhesion to host cells that may have arisen from horizontal gene transfer. Notably, we identified genes that are similar to known virulence factors in other parasitic organisms, particularly blood and intestinal parasites like Plasmodium, Trypanosoma, and Giardia. Many of these genes are absent in published cnidarian and myxozoan datasets and appear to be specific to S. molnari; they may therefore represent potential innovations enabling Sphaerospora to exploit the host’s blood system.ConclusionsIn order to address the threat posed by myxozoans to both cultured fish species and wild stocks, it is imperative to deepen our understanding of their genetics. Sphaerospora molnari offers an appealing model for stage-specific transcriptomic profiling and for identifying differentially expressed key functional gene groups related to parasite development. We identified genes that are thus far unique to S. molnari, which reveal their evolutionary novelty and likely role as adaptations to specific host niches. In addition, we describe the pathogenicity-associated genetic toolbox of S. molnari and discuss the implications of our discoveries for disease control by shedding light on specific targets for potential intervention strategies.

Skeletal deformities in Sparus aurata from Türkiye: Incidences from Bafa Lake and the Aegean Sea

AbstractThe first record of the abnormalities ankylosis (fusion of vertebrae), lordosis (V‐shaped curvature of the vertebral column), kyphosis (Λ‐shaped curvature), and kypholordosis (the presence of both conditions) have been reported in two specimens of Sparus aurata collected from Bafa Lake and Bodrum‐Kıyıkışlacık Coast, Türkiye and used in this study. Both specimens displayed a severe level of deformity. All cases were non‐fatal as they occurred in subadult individuals. Assessment of abnormality in the studied specimen was carried out by the morphological diagnosis and using mammography. Externally, the two specimens have a deeper body than the normal specimen. There was significant osteological damage has been revealed by the mammography of these deformed specimens. The saddleback anomaly is in the anterior part of the spinous part of the dorsal fin that showed no missing spines. In addition, the lateral line was deformed in both specimens examined. In addition, there were several minor skeletal abnormalities. These anomalies have been considered an important indicator of environmentally induced stress on the wild fishes. Hence, the present finding highlights the need for closer monitoring of the marine environment and for the identification of the specific factor that causes these abnormalities.

Emotions associated with the intention to purchase sustainable food: An assessment within and between different animal-sourced food categories.

This study investigates the role of emotions in predicting sustainable food purchase intentions. A national representative sample from Norway (N = 785) was randomly assigned to rate their emotional response to specific food categories: livestock, capture fishery, aquaculture, and hunting. Emotional responses to each food category were of moderate intensity but there were no significant differences between specific animal-sourced foods. Findings from a series of regression analyses showed that egoistic values positively predict the intensity of positive and negative emotions for all food categories. Additionally, it was shown that individual differences in biospheric values (when strong) and hedonic values (when weak) predicted stronger negative emotions. Further analysis showed that negative emotions are the most consistent predictor of willingness to pay for sustainable animal-sourced food. These findings suggest that negative emotions can potentially be leveraged to enhance sustainable animal-sourced food consumption intentions.

Transcriptomic Signature of Lipid Production in Australian Aurantiochytrium sp. TC20.

Aurantiochytrium not only excels in producing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid for humans, but it is also a source of essential fatty acids with minimal impacts on wild fisheries and is vital in the transfer of atmospheric carbon to oceanic carbon sinks and cycles. This study aims to unveil the systems biology of lipid production in the Australian Aurantiochytrium sp. TC20 by comparing the transcriptomic profiles under optimal growth conditions with increased fatty acid production from the early (Day 1) to late exponential growth phase (Day 3). Particular attention was paid to 227 manually annotated genes involved in lipid metabolism, such as FAS (fatty acid synthetase) and subunits of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) synthase. PCA analysis showed that differentially expressed genes, related to lipid metabolism, efficiently discriminated Day 3 samples from Day 1, highlighting the key robustness of the developed lipid-biosynthesis signature. Highly significant (pFDR < 0.01) upregulation of polyunsaturated fatty acid synthase subunit B (PFAB) involved in fatty acid synthesis, lipid droplet protein (TLDP) involved in TAG-synthesis, and phosphoglycerate mutase (PGAM-2) involved in glycolysis and gluconeogenesis were observed. KEGG enrichment analysis highlighted significant enrichment of the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids (pFDR < 0.01) and carbon metabolism pathways (pFDR < 0.01). This study provides a comprehensive overview of the transcriptional landscape of Australian Aurantiochytrium sp. TC20 in the process of fatty acid production.

Seasonal and Spatial Distribution of Fall Armyworm Larvae in Maize Fields: Implications for Integrated Pest Management

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, a major pest in maize production, was assessed for its temporal and spatial distribution in maize fields during both the dry and rainy seasons of 2021 and 2022 in two agroecological regions in Benin (zone 6 and 8). Zone 6 (AEZ 6) “called zone of terre de barre” (Southern and Central Benin) consisted of ferralitic soils, a Sudano-Guinean climate (two rainy seasons alternating with two dry seasons) with a rainfall ranging between 800 and 1400 mm of rainfall per year; while zone 8 (AEZ 8) called “fisheries region” (Southern Benin” is characterized by coastal gleysols and arenosols with a Sudano-Guinean climate and a rainfall of 900–1400 mm of rainfall per year. In this study, 30 and 50 maize plants were randomly sampled using a “W” pattern during the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. Larval density, larval infestation rates, and damage severity were monitored over time. Taylor’s power law and the mean crowding aggregation index were applied to evaluate the dispersion patterns of the larvae. The results indicate a higher larval infestation rate and larval density in AEZ 8 compared to AEZ 6 during the dry season. In the rainy season, while the percentage of damaged plants was higher in AZE 8, no significant differences in larval density between the two zones were observed. The dispersion analysis revealed moderate aggregation (aggregation index = 1.25) with a basic colony of 2.08 larvae, i.e., an average initial cluster of 2.08 larvae observed per plant, reflecting the aggregation oviposition behavior of FAW. This study provides valuable monitoring data on the FAW’s distribution, offering insights for further research on population dynamics and developing predictive models for integrated pest management strategies.

Improving nutritional intakes and reducing metal(loid) exposures from wild fish broth among Inuit pregnant women

Improving nutritional intakes and reducing metal(loid) exposures from wild fish broth among Inuit pregnant women

Nutritional Profile Comparison of Wild and Tagal Indigenous Mahseer (Tor duoronensis) from Borneo

Little is known about the nutritional status of mahseer (Tor duoronensis), a high-value indigenous freshwater species of Borneo. The present study evaluated the proximate, fatty acid, and amino acid compositions in carcasses of juvenile wild and conserved (tagal system) mahseer. The crude lipid content of the wild-caught fish was significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) than tagal fish. Mahseer from tagal system contained significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) fatty acid concentrations of C14:0, C15:0, C16:0, C16.1, C17:0, C18:0, C18:1 n9t, C20:0, C20:4n6, C20:5n3, and C22:6n3, and lower concentrations of C12:0, C18:1 n9c, C18:2 n6c, C18:3 n3, C20:1, and C21:0 fatty acids than wild mahseer. The percentages of total saturated fatty acids and n-3:n-6 ratio were higher in the tagal system than in wild mahseer. Tor duoronensisharvested from the tagal system showed higher total amino acid concentration (756.74 ± 225.21 ng g-1) compared to wild fish (652.10 ± 249.50 ng g-1). Among the amino acid recorded, cysteine content was high in both wild (147.12 ± 206.62 ng g-1) and tagal fish (164.37 ± 229.39 ng g-1). Nine essential amino acids (histidine, arginine, threonine, valine, methionine, lysine, isoleucine, and phenylalanine) that are important in fish’s metabolic and physiological responses were present in both fish groups. This study indicates that the biochemical composition of Tor duoronensis was significantly influenced by their habitat, and these differences may be explained by the components of the fish’s diet. The information generated from this study is beneficial for developing nutritionally balanced practical feed for this species.

A comparative assessment of economic, social, and environmental performance of tilapia aquaculture in Nigeria and Ghana

Capture fisheries in many developing countries are overcapitalized and biologically overexploited, necessitating the promotion of aquaculture to mitigate the deficit in animal protein requirements, create jobs, reduce poverty, and improve the livelihoods of individuals and communities. Over the last two decades, total aquaculture output and its contribution to domestic fish production have surged, reaching 19% and 26% by 2021 (from 1% and 6% in 2000) in Ghana and Nigeria, respectively. The two main species cultivated are tilapia and catfish. While Nigeria is Africa’s second-largest aquaculture producer, Ghana experienced the fastest growth in aquaculture production between 2006 and 2019. Despite the potential benefits, the sectors in both countries face critical challenges, including high feed costs and a lack of technical expertise. In addition, aquaculture can impose a negative externality on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. As a result, aquaculture’s social, economic, and environmental sustainability benefits are context and species-specific, hence an empirical conundrum. This study employs the Aquaculture Performance Indicators (APIs) for a comparative assessment of tilapia farms in Nigeria and Ghana. We found that the overall economic sustainability score is similar for both countries, but Ghana outperforms Nigeria marginally in social and environmental performance.

Thyroid Endocrine Disrupting Potential of Fluoxetine in Zebrafish Larvae.

Fluoxetine (FLX), a typical selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, has been frequently detected in aquatic environment and wild fish. However, little is known about its effect on thyroid endocrine system. In the present study, zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were exposed to 1, 3, 10, and 30 μg/L of FLX for 6 days. Chemical analysis demonstrated that FLX and its metabolic product (nonfluoxetine, NFLX) were accumulated in zebrafish larvae. The exposure resulted in decreased thyroid hormones (THs) levels, indicating thyroid endocrine disruption. Moreover, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) content was significantly inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner after exposure to FLX. Gene transcription in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis was further examined, and the results showed that the genes encoding corticotrophin-releasing hormone (crh) and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (trh) were significantly up-regulated as a compensatory mechanism for the decreased TH contents accompanied with decreased tshβ mRNA expression. In addition, genes involved in thyroid hormone synthesis (sodium/iodide symporter, nis, thyroglobulin, tg) and transport (transthyretin, ttr) were down-regulated after exposure to FLX in a concentration-dependent manner. The increased gene transcription of deiodinases (dio2) and uridinediphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase (ugt1ab) might be responsible for the decrease of TH contents. In addition, a significant inhibition in thyroid hormone receptors (trα and trβ) gene expression was observed upon treatment with FLX. All these results demonstrated that FLX could alter THs and TSH content as well as gene transcription in the HPT axis, exerting an endocrine disruption of the thyroid system in zebrafish larvae.

Population Dynamic of the Shield-head Catfish Synodontis Schall (Bloch &amp; Schneider, 1801) in Upper Atbara and Setit Dam Complex, Sudan

This study aimed to assess important population bio-parameters of Synodontis schall in the Upper Atbara and the Setit dam complex (Sudan), comprising asymptotic length, growth curvature, length at maturity, optimum length, growth performance index, and mortality rate. The study was based on the need to assess capture fisheries; whose success depends on understanding the species' population structure. For five months (September 2019 and January 2020), 500 specimens of S. schall were collected randomly using gillnet from fishermen monthly. Morphometric parameters were taken in the field. The length-weight relationship demonstrated a strong correlation coefficient of r = 0.902, indicating a negative allometric growth pattern with a b-value of 2.619. The von Bertalanffy growth function was used in estimating population parameters obtained from length-frequency data; The asymptotic length (L∞) was 36.75 cm, the growth curvature (K) was 0.78 yr.-1, and the optimum length (Lopt) was 23.09 cm. The total mortality (Z) was 2.09 yr.-1; exploitation rate (E) = 0.34 yr. -1, natural mortality (M) and fishing mortality (F) = 1.39 and 0.7 yr. -1, respectively. The overall growth performance index of 3.023 indicated a slow rate of growth. The results suggest that this species and other commercial species require further research on population dynamics.

Current Status of Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) Fisheries in Bangladesh and Implications for Future Research and Development

ABSTRACTHilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha) is an anadromous fish, making the single largest wild fishery in Bangladesh, supporting the livelihoods of about 2% of the population and contributing 1% to the national GDP. Several studies reported positive outcomes associated with its catch status, biology, ecology, nutritional profile, conservation and management and socio‐economic impacts. However, significant knowledge gaps exist in hilsa fisheries, particularly in the areas crucial for research and development. In this article, we conducted a systematic review of literature to identify and address the knowledge gaps, challenges and research priorities in hilsa fisheries to ensure their sustainable management and production. Recent data from the Department of Fisheries (DoF) indicate rising production of hilsa in Bangladesh, sparking debate about its accuracy. Reliable data are essential to avoid miscalculations that could lead to risk of overfishing or underfishing of this important fish. Hilsa matures at 6–12 months, lives 2–6 years, feeds primarily on phytoplankton and spawns mostly during full moon of September and October. The abundance of brood hilsa in the river systems before and after the peak breeding season suggests further research is needed to refine breeding period for sustainable production. Although recent molecular studies have mapped the complete genome of hilsa, there remains a lack of comprehensive knowledge on its biology, ecology, conservation and life cycle—the key areas for sustainable catches and domestication. Enhancing global demand for this species requires value addition, such as removing sharp pin bones in the flesh. DoF has implemented various policies and projects, including establishment of sanctuaries to protect and conserve hilsa fisheries for sustainable exploitation. However, these measures have sparked controversy due to their adverse impacts on income and livelihoods of fishermen. Addressing these challenges and knowledge gaps requires focused research and development initiatives to ensure sustainable hilsa fisheries in Bangladesh.

Genetic monitoring suggests ongoing genetic change in wild salmon populations due to hybridization with aquaculture escapees

Abstract Substantial domestication associated divergence of farmed from wild Atlantic salmon has raised concerns regarding the negative impacts of farm escapees on the genetic integrity and adaptability of wild salmon populations. Studies from across the North Atlantic have repeatedly demonstrated the presence of hybridization and introgression from escapees into wild salmon populations, however longer-term genetic monitoring has rarely been conducted. Here we use targeted SNP panels to evaluate the presence of hybridization and subsequent introgression of escaped farmed salmon into 18 southern Newfoundland rivers and reconstruct the number of escapees contributing to hybrids sampled over an 8-year period encompassing three reported escape events. Ongoing hybridization was observed throughout the entire time series, with F1 young-of-the-year individuals detected every year, as well as a notable increase in the proportion of backcross wild fish. Population estimates of domestic admixture were highest in smaller rivers reaching up to 78%, and the amount of aquaculture-associated European ancestry within individuals ranged as high as 39%. Spatial patterns of hybridization were closely associated with proxies of wild population size based on habitat area. Genetic analyses of relatedness indicated that at least one farm escapee parent was present each year, with the highest estimated numbers occurring after two escape events. This 8-year genetic time series, the longest monitoring period for farm escapee impacts in North America, offers valuable insight into the ongoing genetic impacts of escaped farmed salmon on wild populations.

Boat noise reduces vocalization rate and alters vocal characteristics in wild plainfin midshipman fish.

Anthropogenic noise pollution has been accelerating at an alarming rate, greatly altering aquatic soundscapes. Animals use various mechanisms to avoid acoustic masking in noisy environments, including altering calling rates or the frequency (pitch) of their vocalizations or increasing the amplitude (loudness) of their vocalizations (i.e., exhibiting the Lombard effect), but few studies have examined this vocal plasticity in fishes. We tested the effects of in situ motorboat noise on the agonistic and mating vocalizations of nesting plainfin midshipman fish (Porichthys notatus), and found that midshipman fish reduce and alter their vocalizations in the presence of boat noise. During boat noise, fish produced four times fewer agonistic vocalizations compared to ambient control periods. The fish also increased the frequency of mating hums and the amplitude of grunts and growls during boat noise. This study is the first to experimentally demonstrate the Lombard effect in fishes using real motorboat noise.

Distribution of Temperature and Salinity on Fishing Zone in The Regional Fisheries Management of Indonesia (WPP-RI) 573

The Fisheries Management Republik Indonesia (WPP-RI) 573 encompasses strategic waters in the southern Indian Ocean of Indonesia, playing a critical role in global ocean circulation through the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF). This study aims to examine the physical oceanographic characteristics, particularly sea surface temperature (SST), salinity, and marine ecosystem productivity in WPP 573, as well as the impacts of ITF variability on these parameters. Data utilized include SST, salinity, and current velocity obtained from satellite observations and numerical models. The analysis reveals that the ITF transports tropical water masses from the Pacific Ocean to the Indian Ocean, significantly influencing the spatial and temporal distribution of temperature and salinity in the region.

Overview of Fish Diseases and Their Treatment.

Fish diseases present substantial challenges to both aquaculture industries and wild fish populations, causing biodiversity loss and economic impacts. These diseases stem from a variety of factors, including bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic infections, and environmental stress. This paper offers an overview of prevalent fish diseases, their causes, symptoms, and available diagnostic tools and treatments. It also addresses the growing concern over antibiotic resistance and the exploration of alternative therapies like probiotics and plant-based treatments in managing fish health. An integrated approach—combining pharmacological treatments, vaccines, environmental monitoring, and biosecurity measures—is vital for effective disease management in fish populations.

Price interactions between capture fisheries and aquaculture: Evidence from India

Fish is probably the only major food product in the modern human food system for which wild harvests are still important in the market supply despite the rapid growth in production of farmed fish/aquaculture. The issue of substitution, or competitive interaction, between capture fisheries and aquaculture is of immense interest due to its role in determining market prices, livelihoods, and welfare in the two sectors. This is particularly true for a developing country like India where fisheries and aquaculture play an important role in livelihood creation, export revenues, and food security. India has also witnessed a remarkable increase in inland aquaculture production which is now the largest contributor to the country’s total fish production. In this article, we employ recursive cointegration analysis and time-varying copula estimations to analyze a novel dataset to describe the evolution in the relationship between the prices of inland capture fisheries and aquaculture products in India over time. Our results suggest an increased degree of market integration for inland fish products in India over time, though the degree of integration is lower for the capture fisheries products compared to the aquaculture products.

Exploring freshwater soundscapes of tropical marshland habitats in Southeast Asia: insights into auditory sensory adaptation of wild Siamese fighting fish Betta splendens.

While soundscapes shape the structure and function of auditory systems over evolutionary timescales, there is limited information regarding the adaptation of wild fish populations to their natural acoustic environments. This is particularly relevant for freshwater ecosystems, which are extremely diverse and face escalating pressures from human activities and associated noise pollution. The Siamese fighting fish Betta splendens is one of the most important cultured species in the global ornamental fish market and is increasingly recognized as a model organism for genetics and behavioural studies. This air-breathing species (Anabantoidei), characterized by the presence of a suprabranchial labyrinth organ that enhances auditory sensitivity, is native to Southeast Asia and inhabits low flow freshwater ecosystems that are increasingly threatened due to habitat destruction and pollution. We characterized the underwater soundscape, along with various ecological parameters, across five marshland habitats of B. splendens, from lentic waterbodies to small canals near a lake in Chiang Rai province (Thailand). All habitats exhibited common traits of low dissolved oxygen and dense herbaceous vegetation. Soundscapes were relatively quiet with Sound Pressure Level (SPL) around 102-105 dB re 1 µPa and most spectral energy below 1,000 Hz. Sound recordings captured diverse biological sounds, including potential fish vocalizations, but primarily insect sounds. Hearing thresholds were determined using auditory evoked potential (AEP) recordings, revealing best hearing range within 100-400 Hz. Males exhibited lower hearing thresholds than females at 400 and 600 Hz. This low-frequency tuning highlights the potential susceptibility of B. splendens to anthropogenic noise activities. This study provides first characterization of the auditory sensitivity and natural soundscape of B. splendens, establishing an important ground for future hearing research in this species. The information provided on the auditory sensory adaptation of B. splendens emphasizes the importance of preserving quiet soundscapes from lentic freshwater ecosystems.

The assessment of carrying capacity of marine fishery resources in China

IntroductionThe sustainable development of marine fisheries has been a major concern, with the carrying capacity of marine fishery resources becoming a focal point of research.MethodsThis study, utilizing remote sensing data, marine capture fisheries catch data, and fishing effort data from 2013 to 2020, aims to determine the maximum sustainable yield using a surplus production model and provide a comprehensive assessment of the status and potential of China’s marine fishery resources.ResultsThe results indicate that China’s marine fishery resources exhibit significant regional variability, with the East China Sea contributing the largest share of catch and maintaining sustainability, while regions such as the South China Sea, Yellow Sea, and Bohai Sea have exceeded their ecological carrying capacities. Correlation analysis highlights that nutrient levels and water quality (e.g., chemical oxygen demand) are critical for resource stability, while the distribution and management of protected areas further influence carrying capacity.DiscussionThis study contributes to the development of more effective fishery policies, aiming to balance economic benefits with ecological health. By understanding these dynamics, policymakers can better address the challenges facing sustainable marine fisheries.

Morphology and Phylogenetic Analysis of Henneguya sp. Infecting the Orange-Spotted Snakehead (Channa Aurantimaculata) from Tamil Nadu, India.

Henneguya sp. is a crucial myxosporean parasite known to cause milky flesh or tapioca disease in the freshwater fish population, leading to heavy mortality. Studies to investigate its host range and to monitor their prevalence in wild and aquacultured fish are necessary. The infected orange-spotted snakehead (Channa aurantimaculata) fish samples showing clinical signs such as severe ulceration and open wounds on the mouth and operculum were collected from an ornamental fish-rearing unit in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The sample was diagnosed with myxosporean infection by microscopic observation, morphological records and DNA sequencing followed by phylogenetic analysis. The Henneguya infection was identified in C. aurantimaculata for the first time. Necropsy of the infected fish revealed characteristic multifocal whitish-yellow, oval-shaped cysts measuring 3-5mm in length on the liver and spleen. The wet mount of cysts showed numerous mature Henneguya spores that were uninucleate, elongated, lenticular and ellipsoidal with the bluntly rounded anterior end gradually tapering off to the posterior with a caudal elongation. The spore body measured 12.1 ± 0.9μm (10.1-14.7μm) × 7.1 ± 0.6μm (5.3-8.5μm) with two slightly unequal pyriform polar capsules of 6.1 ± 0.5μm (5.1-7.4 )× 2.5 ± 0.4μm (1.6-3.9) (large); 6.0 ± 0.4μm (5.2-6.4) × 2.5 ± 0.3μm (1.7-3.1) (small) and a caudal elongation of 16.1 ± 1.2μm in length. The parasite was confirmed to be a Henneguya sp. by PCR amplification of SSrRNA followed by gene sequencing. The sequence generated was submitted in the GenBank under accession number PP852214.1 The maximum likelihood analysis revealed that the obtained sequence is a close relative of H. exilis with pairwise sequence variation of 3.3% and a homology of 99.04%. The findings highlight the potential impact of Henneguya sp. on ornamental fish health, underscoring the need for vigilant monitoring and management in India.