Susceptibility of goldsinny wrasse, Ctenolabrus rupestris L. (Labridae), to viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) genotype III: Experimental challenge and pathology.

•Goldsinny wrasse is susceptible to VHSV genotype III (12-654).•Cumulative mortality of 17% was recorded in goldsinny wrasse infected with the 12-654.•No VHS disease signs as reported for rainbow trout were observed in goldsinny wrasse.•Necrosis and swelling of atrium endocardium was observed in the VHSV infected wrasse.•Goldsinny wrasse showed a potential to transmit VHSV to other naïve susceptible fish.