The import of ornamental aquatic animals in Italy takes place mainly from third countries or from territories outside the European Community, as South-East Asia and Japan. One aspect that should be taken into account is the possible health risk related to the import and breeding of ornamental fish species. For this purpose, this work was conducted on imported species, in order to characterize the main pathogens causes of morbidity and mortality. During 2015, 232 freshwater ornamental fish have been analyzed. All samples were performed with an anatomical, pathological, parasitological and bacteriological analyses. The anatomical and pathological features showed lesions in 140 specimens referable to gill disease, often associated with parasitic infestations by ectoparasite of the Monogenea class. The bacteriological exam was positive in 65.09% of fish and through the use of selective medium, phenotypical and biochemical tests, we have classified bacterial strains. In more than 50% of cases we have isolated bacteria belonging to mobile Aeromonas spp. It is important to underline that these imported species can harbor pathogens with possible consequences for the health of domestic aquaria. For this reason, the continuous health monitoring of imported ornamental fish is the most effective system to control or prevent the entry of new pathogens.
