Skeletonema

Skeletonema is a genus of diatom algae that, while naturally occurring in marine environments, acts as a major disruptor in aquaculture settings. It is essential to recognize that this is not a plant disease in the traditional sense, but an opportunistic phytoplankton species that causes physiological stress to aquatic organisms during bloom events.

The organism acts as a stressor by rapidly increasing biomass, which leads to physical and chemical imbalances in closed and semi-closed aquatic systems. The formation of long, silica-based chains characterizes the proliferation of this genus, directly impacting the water clarity and quality.

Affected cultures primarily include shellfish farming, shrimp aquaculture, and fish hatchery operations. The presence of dense Skeletonema populations can overwhelm the biological filtration capacity of the system, leading to habitat degradation for the cultured species.

Symptoms of an overgrowth include a sudden change in water turbidity, the appearance of brown or yellowish surface foams, and significant diurnal fluctuations in dissolved oxygen levels. These symptoms often signal a decline in water quality that requires immediate intervention to prevent losses.

Management and prevention focus on maintaining biological balance within the water column. Key protective measures involve the strict monitoring of nitrogen and phosphorus levels to limit nutrient loading, the implementation of mechanical filtration, and the use of UV treatment to control cell density, ensuring a stable environment for the target aquatic species.