Spinal deformities in finfish have the potential to impact aquaculture industries and wild populations by increasing morbidity, mortality, and reducing growth rates. Myxobolus acanthogobii has been implicated in causing scoliosis and lordosis in various aquatic species in Japan. We investigated 4 cases of spinal deformity in 2 flathead ( Platycephalus) species that were submitted to the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI) in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, between 2015 and 2021. Flathead are commercially significant species that are popular among Australian consumers, and are also sought-after species targeted by recreational fishers. Gross deformities are concerning to the community and may impact the quality and quantity of specimens available for consumption. Three blue-spotted flathead ( P. caeruleopunctatus) and one marbled flathead ( P. marmoratus) were submitted, all with marked scoliosis and kyphosis; 1–2-mm cysts were present on the dorsum of the brain, most often over the optic lobe or cerebellum. Cytology and differential interference microscopy of cyst material revealed numerous oval spores, x̄ 14 ± SD 0.75 µm × x̄ 11.5 ± SD 0.70 µm, with 2 pyriform polar capsules, the morphology of which is consistent with a Myxobolus sp. PCR assay and 18S rDNA sequencing of the cyst material identified a Myxobolus sp. with 96% identity to M. acanthogobii. The identification of this Myxobolus sp. confirms the presence of parasites with the potential to cause spinal deformity in significant aquatic species in NSW waterways.

中文翻译：

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蓝斑鲽鱼和大理石纹鲽鱼的脊柱侧弯和后凸与棘粘粘虫样寄生虫有关

有鳍鱼类的脊柱畸形有可能通过增加发病率、死亡率和降低生长率来影响水产养殖业和野生种群。Myxobolus acanthogobii 已被认为与日本多种水生物种的脊柱侧凸和脊柱前凸有关。我们调查了 2 种扁头鱼 (Platycephalus) 物种的 4 例脊柱畸形病例，这些物种于 2015 年至 2021 年间提交给澳大利亚新南威尔士州 (NSW) 的伊丽莎白麦克阿瑟农业研究所 (EMAI)。平头鱼是具有重要商业价值的物种，在澳大利亚消费者，也是休闲钓鱼者追捧的目标物种。严重畸形引起社区关注，并可能影响可供消费的标本的质量和数量。提交了三只蓝斑鲽鱼（P. caeruleopunctatus）和一只大理石鲽鱼（P. marmoratus），均具有明显的脊柱侧凸和后凸；1-2 毫米的囊肿出现在大脑的背面，最常见的是视神经叶或小脑。包囊材料的细胞学和微分干涉显微镜显示许多椭圆形孢子，x̄ 14 ± SD 0.75 µm × x̄ 11.5 ± SD 0.70 µm，有 2 个梨形极囊，其形态与 Myxobolus sp 一致。对包囊材料进行 PCR 检测和 18S rDNA 测序，鉴定出粘液菌属 (Myxobolus sp.)。与 M. acanthogobii 具有 96% 的同一性。该 Myxobolus sp 的鉴定。证实了新南威尔士州水道中重要水生物种存在可能导致脊柱畸形的寄生虫。