Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Furunculosis is a highly contagious, systemic bacterial disease that primarily affects salmonid fishes but can infect other freshwater and marine fish species.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The causative agent of furunculosis is Aeromonas salmonicida, a Gram-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium.
Typical symptoms include boil-like lesions (furuncles) on the skin and muscles, hemorrhages at the fin bases, and high mortality rates.
*Aeromonas hydrophila* causes Motile Aeromonas Septicemia (MAS).
*Yersinia ruckeri* causes Enteric Redmouth Disease (ERM).
*Renibacterium salmoninarum* causes Bacterial Kidney Disease (BKD).
Step 3: Final Answer:
Furunculosis in fish is caused by Aeromonas salmonicida.