Copperband with black ich

Discussion in 'Diseases' started by coldshot, Nov 26, 2010.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. coldshot

    coldshot Blue Ringed Angel

    Joined:
    Feb 1, 2009
    Messages:
    1,577
    Location:
    Somewhere in the hill's.
    I posted here but did not get good results because I wasnt able to get a picture of the infected fish. It turns out it was black ich it was from a bad rash of flatworms I had. thnx to jon the worms are gone but the spots from black ich remain. here is some info for future use if others find this problem.
    thnx for readin and haVE A GREAT WEEKEND....

    Typically a "disease" that is most commonly associated with Tangs and Surgeonfishes, but one that can be contracted by other species as well, what is referred to as Black Spot Disease, Tang Disease or Black Ich is actually caused by an infestation of tiny Genus Paravortex member turbellarian flatworms.

    Although parasitic organisms that are much less dangerous and life-threatening, as well as rather easy to get rid of compared to other ich diseases such as Oodinium, Cryptocaryon, and Brooklynella, nonetheless it is a problem that needs to be treated upon recognition to eradicate infected fishes of these parasites.

    The Life Cycle of These Worms

    •Living in the substrate until mature, an adult worm seeks out a host fish.

    •After feeding for about six days, it falls off into the substrate.

    •About five days later the worm's body ruptures and releases a new population of young worms, and the cycle starts again, but in larger numbers.
    Symptoms to Look For

    Once these worms start feeding on a host fish they acquire pigmentation, which causes the appearance of black spots about the size of a grain of salt on the body and fin membranes. Worms that freely move about on fish, the spots do not always remain stationary. On light colored fish they are easy to see, whereas on dark colored ones they may go unnoticed at first. Fish will scratch up against objects in an attempt to dislodge the parasites, and if allowed to progress the fish become lethargic, loss of appetite and colors occur, rapid respiration develops, and secondary bacterial infections can invade damaged tissue sites.
    Treatment recomendation
    Give infected fisha fresh water dip followed by a formalin bath and continue treatment in a QT.

    Preventing reinfestation

    Reinfection will occur no matter how effectively the fish have been treated if these parasitic tubellarian worms are not eradicated from the main aquarium. Unfortunately because they can survive for several months without a host, this is often not an easy thing to do, but here are some suggestions.

    •Leave the main aquarium devoid of all fish for several months.

    •Young worms live in the substrate and feed on detritus and organic debris until such time they mature and go in search of a fish host. By siphoning up excess organic matter that can build up on the bottom of the aquarium can help to control their numbers.

    •For fish-only tanks that have no freshwater sensitive invertebrates present, hyposalinity can be applied.

    So far none of the other fish are showing any signs. the fish is in a QT for the time being and the flatworms are gone.
     
    1 person likes this.
  2. Click Here!

  3. coldshot

    coldshot Blue Ringed Angel

    Joined:
    Feb 1, 2009
    Messages:
    1,577
    Location:
    Somewhere in the hill's.
    never knew flatworms affected fish also...
     
  4. blackraven1425

    blackraven1425 Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2010
    Messages:
    4,780
    It's not the same kind of flatworm as eat acros, or that crowd out a tank. There's a whole bunch of different species.
     
  5. coldshot

    coldshot Blue Ringed Angel

    Joined:
    Feb 1, 2009
    Messages:
    1,577
    Location:
    Somewhere in the hill's.
    Yeah I am seeing that, hopefully they are gone as I have no room in QT for all the fish. I once lost a tank of fish to velvet. It took em out pretty quickly.I went 8 weeks with no fish. maybe ill get luckier this time.
     
  6. shecter

    shecter Fire Shrimp

    Joined:
    May 26, 2010
    Messages:
    304
    Location:
    connecticut
    nice writeup i never knew they existed +K for you!