Presumptive Ulcerative Disease in Channa striata: A Comprehensive Case Report from a Cement Tank Culture System

Ulcerative diseases are widespread in tropical freshwater aquaculture and represent one of the most economically devastating health problems affecting a wide range of species. Channa striata, despite being hardy and highly valued, is frequently susceptible to a range of dermal diseases under stress. This study presents a detailed and comprehensive case documentation of a presumptive ulcerative outbreak in C. striata cultured in an outdoor cement tank for a two month feeding experiment involving dried blood worms and formulated commercial pellets. Over the study period, progressive clinical signs including surfacing behaviour, lethargy, anorexia, mucous loss, epidermal peeling, haemorrhagic ulceration, necrotic patches, and caudal fin detachment were recorded. Mortality reached 30%. Although diagnostic confirmation was not performed, lesion morphology strongly aligned with previously documented forms of Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS) and secondary bacterial infections. The paper integrates nutritional, environmental, and pathological interpretations to offer a holistic understanding of disease progression under small scale cement tank culture. This report underscores the importance of preventive health management, nutritional balance, and water quality regulation to prevent ulcer outbreaks.