# Detection and Identification of Paragyliauchen sp. (Trematoda) and Bacteria in Diseased Centropyge bicolor from the European Marine Aquarium Trade

**Authors:** Leszek Guz, Anna Pastuszka, Michał Torbicz, Michał Oszust

PMC · DOI: 10.3390/pathogens15030245 · Pathogens · 2026-02-25

## TL;DR

This study identifies a new trematode and bacteria in a diseased angelfish imported to Europe, highlighting risks in the aquarium trade.

## Contribution

First detection of Paragyliauchen sp. in Centropyge bicolor imported to Europe.

## Key findings

- Five orange trematodes identified as Paragyliauchen sp. in the fish's intestine.
- Three bacterial species detected: Shewanella putrefaciens, Brevundimonas diminuta, and Aeromonas caviae.
- Study highlights risks of introducing new parasites and pathogens through the ornamental fish trade.

## Abstract

During the examination of a bicolor angelfish (Centropyge bicolor) imported from the Philippines and intended for sale on the Polish market, clinical signs of weakness and respiratory distress were observed. Mild hyperemia was noted along the lateral sides of the body and around the mouth. Necropsy revealed the presence of five orange-colored trematodes in the intestinal lumen, with an average body length of 3.12 mm. Based on morphological features and molecular analyses, the parasite was identified as Paragyiauchen sp. The following gene loci were amplified: the gene-encoding component of the large ribosomal subunit (28S rRNA), the gene-encoding NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (ND1), the gene cluster 5.8S rRNA-ITS2-28S rRNA and the gene cluster ITS2-28S rRNA. Bacterial species identification using MALDI-TOF MS revealed the presence of three species: Shewanella putrefaciens and Brevundimonas diminuta isolated from the head kidney, and Aeromonas caviae isolated from the liver. This study documents the first detection of representatives of Paragyliauchen genus in C. bicolor imported to Europe and highlights the potential risk of introducing new parasites and opportunistic bacterial pathogens through the ornamental fish trade. These findings emphasize the need for parasitological and microbiological screening of imported ornamental fish.

## Linked entities

- **Genes:** 28S rRNA (28S ribosomal RNA) [NCBI Gene 544668], ND1 (NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1) [NCBI Gene 4535]
- **Species:** Centropyge bicolor (taxon 109723), Paragyliauchen sp. (taxon 3374855), Shewanella putrefaciens (taxon 24), Brevundimonas diminuta (taxon 293), Aeromonas caviae (taxon 648)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** hyperemia (MESH:D006940), weakness (MESH:D018908), respiratory distress (MESH:D012128)
- **Species:** Culex pipiens (common house mosquito, species) [taxon 7175], Shewanella putrefaciens (species) [taxon 24], Centropyge bicolor (bicolor angelfish, species) [taxon 109723], Brevundimonas diminuta (species) [taxon 293], Trematodes (genus) [taxon 1290878], Aeromonas caviae (species) [taxon 648]

## Full text

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## Figures

9 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13029558/full.md

## References

36 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13029558/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13029558