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Skin and Gill Flukes
Gill and Skin flukes are two of the family of
monogenetic trematode genera, all of which are
characterised by the large grappling hooks which
are used to attach themselves to their victims.
Flukes are another common parasite affecting our
koi are both egg layers and live bearers. They
range from 0.05 to 3.00mm long and there are
actually a huge number of species in the genus.
Affected Koi often exhibit classic signs of irritation
and flash, jump or rub themselves against objects
in the pond in an attempt to rid themselves of their
attackers.
Gill and Skin flukes are two of the family of
monogenetic trematode genera, all of which are
characterised by the large grappling hooks which
are used to attach themselves to their victims.
Flukes are another common parasite affecting our
koi are both egg layers and live bearers. They
range from 0.05 to 3.00mm long and there are
actually a huge number of species in the genus.
Affected Koi often exhibit classic signs of irritation
and flash, jump or rub themselves against objects
in the pond in an attempt to rid themselves of their
attackers.
Flukes are not visible with the naked eye. When viewed under a microscope, the parasites are clearly visible as nearly transparent
and worm like, and the hooks are clearly visible.
Flukes are a bit like fleas on dogs and cats and it is common to see one or two on a slide as a healthy Koi can control parasite
numbers and their mucus helps prevent the parasite moving. Treatment is therefore only necessary if flukes are seen in numbers.
Chemical control of both types of fluke can be achieved with Chloramine T, Malachite Green, Formalin, or Potassium Permanganate.
In order to kill all generations, repeat treatments may be necessary, the frequency being dependent on temperature and chemical
used.
and worm like, and the hooks are clearly visible.
Flukes are a bit like fleas on dogs and cats and it is common to see one or two on a slide as a healthy Koi can control parasite
numbers and their mucus helps prevent the parasite moving. Treatment is therefore only necessary if flukes are seen in numbers.
Chemical control of both types of fluke can be achieved with Chloramine T, Malachite Green, Formalin, or Potassium Permanganate.
In order to kill all generations, repeat treatments may be necessary, the frequency being dependent on temperature and chemical
used.
Trichodina
Trichodina is one of the easiest protozoan parasites to detect under the
microscope as it is almost perfectly round with hundreds of hooks which
resemble cilia found its periphery and it constantly rotates as it moves through
the mucus, causing tissues damage.
It attacks both skin and gill tissues of our Koi, and can often cause more
damage to gills than realized.
Classed as a warm water parasite, it can survive for some time without a host.
It causes vegetation of the skin giving rise to a grey white opaque appearance
on the body of infected Koi which exhibit the classic symptoms of flashing,
rubbing and lethargy.
A magnification of 100 to 200 x is required to view this parasite.
Recommended treatments are Potassium Permanganate.
Trichodina is one of the easiest protozoan parasites to detect under the
microscope as it is almost perfectly round with hundreds of hooks which
resemble cilia found its periphery and it constantly rotates as it moves through
the mucus, causing tissues damage.
It attacks both skin and gill tissues of our Koi, and can often cause more
damage to gills than realized.
Classed as a warm water parasite, it can survive for some time without a host.
It causes vegetation of the skin giving rise to a grey white opaque appearance
on the body of infected Koi which exhibit the classic symptoms of flashing,
rubbing and lethargy.
A magnification of 100 to 200 x is required to view this parasite.
Recommended treatments are Potassium Permanganate.
White Spot (Ich)
Caused by Ichthyopthirius multifiliis. The white spots on the skin, gills and fins
are individual protozoan cells that are under the skin and feed on the body
fluids and cells. They then punch out of the skin and fall to the bottom of the
pond, collect together and begin breeding, the offspring then re-invest the fish.
As well as white spots symptoms are scratching and swimming into the water
inlet, failure to feed and lethargy. It is fatal if untreated. Fortunately commercial
white spot remedies are widely available.
Caused by Ichthyopthirius multifiliis. The white spots on the skin, gills and fins
are individual protozoan cells that are under the skin and feed on the body
fluids and cells. They then punch out of the skin and fall to the bottom of the
pond, collect together and begin breeding, the offspring then re-invest the fish.
As well as white spots symptoms are scratching and swimming into the water
inlet, failure to feed and lethargy. It is fatal if untreated. Fortunately commercial
white spot remedies are widely available.
| Dr. Greco's Koi and Supplies P.O. Box 788 Mount Sinai, N.Y. 11766 Located on Long Island in Suffolk County In the Township of Brookhaven |