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Trichodina
Type:
Parasitic
>>caused by Trichodina, a protozoan parasite
with a ring of cilia around the edge of the bowl-shaped body
>>
the Trichodina glides around the fish like a flying
saucer
>>
this parasite measures up to 50 micrometers in
diameter, and has a central sucking disc with hook-like dentricles
>>
Trichodinids don't actually feed on the koi itself and
are therefore virtually harmless at low levels
>>
however, in very large numbers, they can be very
irritating to the fish
>>
tissue damage can be caused by the sucking disc used by
trichodinids to attach to the body of the koi
Symptoms:
>>extreme irritation of the koi leading to rubbing of body
against rocks and pond surfaces
>>frayed fins; milky or opaque fins and body
>>although not immediately deadly, it can cause extreme tissue
damage if left unchecked
>>in advanced stages, fish may show lethargy and preference for
highly-oxygenated areas of the pond (near pumps, etc.)
>>can lead to suffocation of the fish if gills are severely
infested
Remedies:
>>some experts had success treating trichodina with potassium
permanganate
>>others recommend the Super Ick Cure
>>addition of salt to the water may alleviate gill problems
while the 'real' treatments are still on the way |
