MICROBIOLOGY OF FISH GROWN IN A SEWAGE-FED POND

The microbiology of different tissues and gut contents from six different fish species cultured in a sewage-fed pond was studied. The total bacterial count and pathogenic flora (salmonella, coliform and faecal streptococci) of the raw sewage, oxidation pond and culture pond were also analysed. The bacterial load was higher in the gut contents than in skin, gills and muscle. Detritivorous fish species had a higher bacterial count than the filter feeders. The bacterial load was reduced during the depuration period (20 days in fresh water) of the fishes. The fish-sauce preparation examined revealed the complete elimination of microbes.