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Ich or White Spot
Type:
Parasitic
>>caused by Ichthyophthirius multifiliis
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the Ichthyophthirius is a ciliated parasite that
affects virtually all fish species
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this parasite penetrates below the skin and transforms into a
stage known as 'tophont', which feeds on the fish's body cells
and fluids
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the trophont is known to continuously move under the skin
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the trophont eventually matures and exits out of the skin,
clinging to an object (such as a plant) as an encapsulated
organism known as a 'tomont'
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the tomont repeatedly divides to produce hundred of 'tomites'
which eventually hatch and swim to find a host
Symptoms:
>> presence of small white spots (which are actually
cysts that contain active trophonts) all over the body and fins
>> rubbing of body against rocks and pond surfaces
in early stages, lethargy in later stages
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can lead to severe hyperplasia (abnormal cell growth), tissue
damage and bacterial infection
Remedies:
>> easily treated with commercial ich medications
if carried out over an adequate amount of time, since only the
free-swimming stage of the parasite can be dealt with
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long-term or indefinite salting of the pond (0.2%) will also
help address the problem
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