To manage periodic monogeneans parasite outbreaks, local farmers commonly use freshwater bath or formalin as a prophylactic treatment. To encourage shift towards a more sustainable aquaculture industry, hydrogen peroxide was investigated as an environmentally friendly alternative. Hydrogen peroxide has been used in parasite treatment of salmon and freshwater aquaculture species; however, no data is available for usage for tropical marine species. Additionally, hydrogen peroxide is volatile in liquid form which makes it unpopular among local farmers. The more stable sodium percarbonate (SPC) powder which decomposes into hydrogen peroxide, sodium and carbonate in water is a preferred alternative for aquaculture.
We investigated the effectiveness of SPC against commonly found ectoparasites in local coastal water such as Neobenedenia spp, Zeylanicobdella arugamensis, Dactlogyrus spp., and Cryptocaryon irritans. Different SPC concentrations and treatment timings were tested to determine the safe dosage for various tropical marine fish species at our research facility (Marine Aquaculture Centre) and local farms. A protocol for 1-hour treatment at 150ppm hydrogen peroxide was developed and found to be effective for Asian seabass and marine tilapia.