SHRI SHIVAJI SCIENCE COLLEGE, AMRAVATI
DBT STAR COLLEGE PROJECT ACTIVITY
ACTIVITY REPORT
Detection & Study of Fungal Infection in Locally Available Market Fishes
Activity Dates: 21 & 22 March 2025
Type of Activity: Minor Research Project
Organizing Department: Department of Zoology
Program Coordinators: Dr. G.A. Wagh Dept. DBT Coordinator ; Activity In charge: Dr. G. D. Hande
Head of the Department: Prof. J.D. Dhote
External Collaborator (if any): --
Objectives:
- 1. An Introduction of Fungal diversity Study
- 2. To raise scientific awareness among students regarding fish study.
- 3. To acquaint students about basic fungi classification.
- 4. To know about structural, Physiological, genetic and growth characteristics of fungi.
- 5. To create a sense of understanding and appreciation towards our rich local faunal diversity
No of Beneficieries: 30
Classes Involved: BSc III (BIO )
Venue of the Activity: Department of Zoology UG Laboratory
Activity Report:
Students gain more in-depth knowledge when they learn about topics from various perspectives. Useful critical thinking, synthesis, and research skills are developed as students explore disciplinary boundaries to consider other viewpoints and compare concepts across subject areas. Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati is making its valuable contribution to creating bright citizens by achieving the comprehensive development, heritage, and cultural progress of the country.
Continuing this tradition, the Department of Zoology under the DBT Star Project Scheme 2025 has organized a “Detection & Study of Fungal Infection in Locally Available Market Fishes” for BSc III (BIO) students on 21 & 22 March 2025 at the Department of Zoology, Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati. This student visit aimed to raise scientific awareness among students and information regarding animal classification, taxidermy, and preserved specimens, which we believe will significantly inspire young minds to understand and appreciate our rich faunal diversity. Interdisciplinary teaching and learning are maximized when professionals from different disciplines work together to serve a common purpose and to help students make connections between different disciplines or subject areas. The ability of aquatic fungi to cause diseases in fish is well known. Potentially all freshwater, few marine water fishes and incubating eggs are susceptible to fungal infection.
The project was conducted by the in-charge teacher- Dr. Gayatri D. Hande under the guidance of Dr. J. D. Dhote, Professor & Head Dept. Of Zoology and Dr.G.A.Wagh, professor & Dept. DBT Coordinator at UG Laboratory.
The program started sharply at 3.00 pm welcoming the students with their accompanying teachers in the presence of the whole teaching and non-teaching staff of the zoology department, by offering them flowers after which Dr. G. D. Hande, Department DBT activity in charge, gave an introduction of the study program and highlighted the importance of this study program in creating as well as spreading knowledge and awareness of the resources which we have in the department and local fish faunal diversity documentation to students. A total of 30 students from BSc III (BIO) were registered in the minor research project.
Fungal infection on sport fish no cause for the fungal infections, or mycoses, are common diseases in fish, especially in temperate waters, often appearing as white, fluffy growths observed on infected fishes. The common fungal infection of fish gill tissue is known as branchiomycosis, also called gill rot. EUS is a highly important seasonal epizootic disease in wild and farmed fish of freshwater and estuarine origin. Ichthyophoniasis is an internal infection causing chronic, systemic, granulomatosis disease.
Saprolegniasis: A common fungal infection that appears as pale grey to white fuzzy cotton-like textures on the skin and scales of fish, and can spread to muscle and tissue beneath the skin.
Achlya infections: Another common fungal disease.
Branchiomycosis: A fungal disease that can affect the gills.
Ichthyophoniasis: A fungal disease that can affect the internal organs of fish.
Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS): A disease that causes ulcers on the skin and fins of fish.
Fungal Symptoms: White, Fluffy Growths: A common sign of fungal infections is the presence of white, fluffy, cotton-like growths on the skin, fins, or gills of the fish.
Ulcers: Some fungal infections, such as EUS, can cause ulcers on the skin and fins of fish.
Lethargy: Infected fish may appear lethargic or listless.
Loss of Appetite: Infected fish may lose their appetite.
Difficulty Breathing: In some cases, fungal infections can affect the gills and make it difficult for fish to breathe.
Weakened Immune Systems:
Fish that are already stressed, injured, or have other diseases are more susceptible to fungal infections.
Poor water quality (e.g., high levels of ammonia, nitrites, or nitrates) can weaken a fish's immune system and make them more vulnerable to fungal infections.
Poor Hygiene: Insufficient hygiene in aquariums or fish ponds can lead to a buildup of organic matter, which can provide a breeding ground for fungi.
Injuries: Physical injuries can create entry points for fungal infections.
Decomposing Organic Matter:
High levels of dead fish or decomposing organic matter in the water can contribute to fungal outbreaks.
Stress from overcrowding, sudden temperature changes, or other environmental factors can weaken a fish's immune system and make them more susceptible to fungal infections. Undesirable environmental conditions—including poor water quality, overcrowding and/or stress by incompatible species—creates conditions that can lead to destructive outbreaks. Flukes are often present in aquariums but remain harmless under ideal conditions. Avoiding stressful conditions is a key to prevention, but once an outbreak occurs, prompt treatment is critical. 'Cotton wool disease' is a general term applied to the most common fungal infections that infect the skin, fins, and mouth. The fluffy white growths often colonize areas where there have been previous infections, parasites, or injuries.
Students gain the information provided at different aspects of the interdisciplinary topic. Interdisciplinary means between fields, but they don't have to be unrelated disciplines. You can do interdisciplinary work between two sciences. This Two-day DBT-sponsored program was conducted under the guidance of Dr. J. D. Dhote, Prof. & Head, Department of Zoology, and Dr. G. A. Wagh, Prof. & Departmental DBT Coordinator.
Department of Zoology prepared some materials in the form of booklets and flyers which were distributed to the students and accompanying teachers.
Program In charge; Dr. G. D. Hande, Asstt. Prof.; Dr. S.V. Gawande, Dr. A. R. Rajoria, Asstt. Prof.& Dr. P. M. Ramteke, Asstt. Prof., Dr. S. J. Kawade, Asstt. Prof. and research students contributed a lot to conducting this project work.
From this research minor project, students ‘get Interdisciplinary skills are the ability to integrate and apply knowledge from different disciplines to solve complex problems, create new insights, or innovate. The focus of interdisciplinary collaboration is on sharing information, coordinating efforts, and achieving a common objective while respecting the boundaries and expertise of each discipline involved.
For this event Booklet/ Manual distribution, by the Department to registered students. In this booklet, elaborate the above topics related include an important aspect of independent booklet publishing by in-charge Teacher.
Conclusion
Fungal diseases are often indicative of a more serious problem. Saprolegniasis is a common fungal disease which affects the external surfaces of fish. It can be eliminated easily after the primary cause of illness has been identified and corrected. On the other hand,Branchiomycosis has caused high mortalities in cultured fish, and is difficult to control. EUS causes disease and mortality in farmed and wild fish, worldwide, especially in the topical areas. Ichthyophonus disease is a systemic fungal disease and once it enters the fish, there is no cure. The best control for all fungal infections is good management : good water quality, good nutrition and proper handling.
Outcomes:
- 1. Students acquire the knowledge of aquatic animal Classification.
- 4. Students got information about fungal fishes & their infections.
- 2. Students got scientific awareness regarding fungal diversity.
- 3. Fungi can be used to produce citric acid, antibiotics, and human hormones. Fungi are model research organisms as well.
- 5. Students also learnt about our rich local fresh water fish faunal diversity.
Photos:
 Students acquired knowledge about culture media preparation |  In charge Teacher Dr. G. D. Hande demonstrated to students about culture media preparation |
 Demonstration for Inoculation of fungi from fish |  Students noting symptoms of external fungal infections on fishes |
 SOP Manual of Culture Media Preparation & Inoculation distributed to the students |  Students performing the experiment |
Attendance Sheet: