Copper Toxicity to the Ghost Rams‐Horn Snail Biomphalaria havanensis.

This article focuses on evaluating copper sulfate as a treatment to control two snail species—marsh rams‐horn snail (Planorbella trivolvis) and ghost rams‐horn snail (Biomphalaria havanensis)—which serve as first intermediate hosts for the trematode parasite Bolbophorus damnificus, a significant pathogen in commercial catfish (Ictalurus spp.) aquaculture. Laboratory tests showed that both snail species have similar sensitivity to copper, with repeated low-dose copper treatments (≥0.1 mg/L Cu for eggs and juveniles, ≥0.2 mg/L Cu for adults) effectively reducing snail populations across life stages. These findings suggest that multiple low-dose copper sulfate applications can be a safer and effective strategy for snail control in catfish ponds, potentially mitigating economic losses caused by B. damnificus infestations, while minimizing environmental and fish health risks associated with higher copper concentrations.