Threatened: Emerging Pathogens in Wild Nothobranchius Populations

During my research expeditions in Africa, I made an unusual and concerning discovery in the upper Congo drainage of DR Congo. At several locations, I encountered unusually weak or visibly sick Nothobranchius fishes in their natural habitats of temporary wetlands. These observations were puzzling, as wild Nothos are typically resilient and can endure harsh conditions for extended periods. Determined to uncover the cause of this syndrome, I decided to investigate further. The publication reveals that Aphanomyces species, major pathogens affecting both wild and farmed fish worldwide, infected the Nothobranchius fishes.