Costia
Type:
Parasitic
>> caused by
Costia ichthyobodo, a fast and constantly moving,
crescent-shaped parasite (protozoa) that exhibits a characteristic
flickering motion, measuring about 10-20 microns in length,
making them very difficult to observe even at 400X
magnification;
>>
generally not harmful in
small numbers, but can be threatening if their population is
left unchecked
>>
costia has two pairs of flagella, one of which is used for
propelling itself and attaching itself to a host, while the
other is used for feeding
>>
costia, which reproduces by longitudinal fission, can not live
for more than two hours without a host; it also can not
survive at temperatures above 28 deg C
>>
costia is transmitted by direct contact but can also transfer
from host to host by swimming; it can also be transferred from
pond to pond through nets
Symptoms:
>> rubbing of body against rocks and pond surfaces
>> skin
cloudiness and milkiness due to excess mucus
>> focal redness
>>
labored and heavy breathing
>> long spells of lethargy at
the pond bottom with clamped fins
>> at an advanced stage, isolation
of itself at the pond surface or near a water return
>> presence of clusters of parasites in pyriform shape on the
gills and skin
Remedies:
>> mild infestations may be treated with salt baths
>>
mild infestations may also be treated with malachite green and formalin
together
>>
potassium permanganate may also be used for treatment
>> severe infestations may be treated with Chloramine-T and
long-term salt therapy
>>
some experts also recommend copper (2 mg/liter) or
Acriflavine (1 ml per liter)
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