DETECTION OF MEGALOCITIVIRUS IN GOBY FISH (Stiphodon sp.) AT WAAI RIVER USING POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION METHOD

Abstract

Megalocytivirus is an important viral pathogen affecting freshwater and marine fish, causing mass mortality and significant economic losses in aquaculture. Goby fish (Stiphodon sp.) have high ecological and economic value, particularly as ornamental fish and indicators of water quality, thus requiring early detection of viral diseases. This study aimed to detect Megalocytivirus infection in goby fish using conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) targeting the major capsid protein (MCP) gene. Fish tissue samples were collected from February to April 2025 at the Maluku Fish, Animal, and Plant Quarantine Center. DNA extraction was performed using an RNA/DNA silica extraction kit, followed by PCR amplification and agarose gel electrophoresis. The results showed that all tested goby samples were negative for Megalocytivirus infection. These findings indicate that goby fish from Maluku waters were free from Megalocytivirus. Conventional PCR proved to be an effective and sensitive method for early detection of viral diseases in fish