Gas-Bubble Disease

Gas-bubble disease has been reported to occur in penaeid shrimp as a result of super saturation of atmospheric gases and oxygen. Shrimp are similar to fish in their sensitivity to supersaturation of atmospheric gases. Oxygen caused gas-bubble disease in penaeids was reported to occur when oxygen reached or exceeded 250 percent of normal saturation in water. Regardless of the gas causing gas-bubble disease in shrimp, the clinical signs are the same. The most obvious sign of gas-bubble disease is that affected shrimp float (in all other diseases, dead or dying shrimp sink). Examination of fresh preparations of gills or whole tissue by microscopy reveals the presence of gas bubbles.