Indian aquaculture is growing very fast, with shrimp ponds and finfish farms spread across many coastal and inland states. As production increases, the risk of disease outbreaks also rises, affecting livelihoods, food security, and the environment. Understanding the Top 10 Common Diseases in Indian Shrimp and Finfish helps farmers, students, and professionals make better decisions about health management. In this article you will learn key symptoms, causes, and prevention methods explained in simple language. Both beginners and advanced learners can use this knowledge to identify problems early, protect stock, and support safe, sustainable and profitable farming.
#1 White spot syndrome virus in shrimp
White spot syndrome virus is one of the most feared diseases in farmed shrimp in India. It spreads very quickly through water, equipment and infected post larvae, causing sudden mass mortality within a few days. Typical signs include white spots on the shell, reddish body, weak swimming and shrimp gathering near pond edges before dying. Stress from poor water quality, sudden temperature changes or overstocking makes outbreaks more likely. Farmers can reduce risk by using virus free seed, strong biosecurity, disinfected ponds and gear and stable water conditions. Early detection and quick emergency response are critical.
#2 Early mortality syndrome in shrimp
Early mortality syndrome, also called acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease, mainly affects young shrimp during the first thirty days after stocking. It severely damages the hepatopancreas, the main digestive and metabolic organ, leading to empty guts, pale bodies, soft shells and sudden die offs. The main cause is a specific strain of Vibrio bacteria that colonizes the hepatopancreas and releases powerful toxins. Poor quality seed, very high organic load and uncontrolled use of feed and chemicals increase the chance of outbreaks. Management focuses on strict hatchery screening, careful pond preparation, balanced feeding and use of probiotics that support healthy bacteria.
#3 Vibriosis in shrimp and finfish
Vibriosis is a common bacterial disease that affects both shrimp and finfish in Indian farms. Several Vibrio species are involved and they thrive in ponds with high organic matter, unstable salinity or poor hygiene. Infected animals show lethargy, reduced feeding, red patches on the body and erosion of fins or tail. In shrimp, chronic vibriosis can cause slow growth, soft shells and increased daily mortality. Overuse of antibiotics creates resistant strains and damages the environment, so routine medication is risky. Good sanitation, proper aeration, regular sludge removal and carefully selected probiotics are better long term control options.
#4 Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei in shrimp
Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei is a microsporidian parasite that infects the hepatopancreas of farmed shrimp, especially Pacific white shrimp. It does not always cause sudden deaths, but it leads to severe growth retardation, size variation and poor feed conversion. Farmers often notice that shrimp remain small even after a full culture cycle, which reduces harvest weight and profit. The parasite spreads through cannibalism, contaminated water and infected broodstock or post larvae. Effective prevention requires specific pathogen free seed, strict pond and equipment disinfection, regular sludge removal and strong biosecurity. Avoiding overfeeding and excessive organic waste also helps limit parasite buildup.
#5 Shell disease in shrimp
Shell disease appears as black spots, pits or erosions on the shrimp shell and tail fan. It is usually caused by bacteria and fungi that invade damaged or weakened shell areas. The disease may not kill shrimp quickly, but it reduces growth, weakens immunity and makes animals more sensitive to other infections like vibriosis or white spot. Rough handling, high stocking density, poor mineral balance and dirty pond bottoms increase the risk. Control measures include regular liming, mineral supplementation, careful harvesting and removal of dead or weak shrimp. Stable pH, alkalinity and salinity help maintain strong shell quality.
#6 Epizootic ulcerative syndrome in finfish
Epizootic ulcerative syndrome is an important disease of finfish in India, especially in freshwater and brackish water systems. It affects many species including carp, snakehead and catfish. Fish first develop dark or red patches that later turn into deep ulcers on the skin, exposing muscle and sometimes bone. These open wounds allow bacteria and fungi to enter, causing blood poisoning and high mortality if not controlled. Outbreaks are often linked with sudden temperature drops, heavy rains and poor water quality. Management focuses on improving drainage, reducing stress, removing severely affected fish and following national guidelines for disease monitoring.
#7 Motile Aeromonas Septicemia in finfish
Motile Aeromonas Septicemia is a serious bacterial disease caused mainly by Aeromonas hydrophila in freshwater finfish. It commonly affects carp and many other cultured species in ponds and cages. Typical signs include red hemorrhagic patches on the body, swollen abdomen, pop eye, protruding scales and darkened skin. Infection spreads through dirty water, injuries and stress from rough handling, overcrowding or poor feed quality. When conditions are unfavorable, death rates can become very high in a short period. Farmers should provide balanced nutrition, maintain good water exchange, avoid sudden stress and seek professional advice before using any approved treatments.
#8 Ichthyophthiriasis white spot in finfish
Ichthyophthiriasis, often called white spot disease of fish, is caused by the protozoan parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. It is very common in freshwater aquaculture and ornamental fish, including many Indian species. Infected fish show small white cysts on the skin, fins and gills, along with rubbing against surfaces, rapid breathing and reduced appetite. The parasite multiplies quickly at moderate temperatures, so disease can spread across a farm if no action is taken. Prevention includes quarantine of new stock, regular health checks and careful temperature and stocking management. Treatment must follow local rules and focus on breaking the parasite life cycle.
#9 Argulus fish louse infestation
Argulus, also known as fish louse, is a crustacean parasite that attaches to the skin and fins of finfish. It feeds on blood and body fluids, causing irritation, restless swimming and rubbing behavior that damages scales. Heavy infestations lead to pale gills, anemia, weight loss and open wounds that allow bacteria and fungi to invade. Argulus eggs survive on pond walls, nets and equipment, so reinfection is common if hygiene is poor. Control strategies include draining and drying ponds, filtering water inlets, disinfecting nets and treating broodstock before stocking. Regular observation and early treatment prevent serious production losses.
#10 Gill fluke infections in finfish
Gill flukes are flatworm parasites that attach to the gills of cultured finfish, including carp, tilapia and some marine species. They damage delicate gill tissue and increase mucus production, making it difficult for fish to absorb enough oxygen. Affected fish often gasp at the surface, crowd near water inlets or show fast gill movement even when water seems clear. Heavy infestations reduce growth, increase feed conversion ratio and allow secondary infections, especially in fry and fingerlings. Prevention includes appropriate stocking density, strong aeration, quarantine of new batches and regular health checks. Laboratory diagnosis guides safe and targeted treatment plans.