Brown Blood Disease occurs in fish when there is a high level of what substance in the water?

Brown Blood Disease, also known as methemoglobinemia, occurs in fish primarily as a result of elevated levels of nitrite in the water. Nitrite can interfere with the fish's ability to transport oxygen in the blood by oxidizing hemoglobin to methemoglobin, which cannot carry oxygen effectively.

The presence of nitrite in aquaculture systems is often due to inadequate biological filtration or poor water quality management, allowing nitrite levels to rise. This condition can lead to significant health issues for the fish, manifesting in symptoms such as brownish coloration of the blood, lethargy, and difficulty breathing, as their oxygen-carrying capacity is compromised.

Understanding the role of nitrite in aquaculture is crucial for managing fish health and maintaining a stable environment. Regular monitoring of water quality parameters, including nitrite levels, is essential in aquaculture to prevent this and other diseases effectively.