Histopathological Study on Fin Ulcer Syndrome of Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) Larvae in China

Histopathological findings associated with fin ulcer syndrome of turbot larvae in China were reported. Turbot larvae with whitish and ulcerate fins, as well as anorexia with reddish viscera were sampled. By pathological observation, we found that pathological changes occurred in various tissues of the affected fish, such as fin, kidney, spleen and liver, causing focal degeneration and necrosis. Infiltration of red cells was noted within infected tissues, especially the spleen. These findings suggest that the pathogen agent is highly destructive, and capable of developing systemic infection.