answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Ich itself is the cause. The disease is usually referred to as ich, ick or whitespot and manifests itself as small (grain of salt) white spots all over the fish. Ichthyophthirius multifiliis is the Latin name for the parasite that causes this disease. It frequently appears when fish are stressed, such as when the tank is not properly cycled and there is a trace of ammonia in their water, when they are exposed to incorrect temperature, pH or temperature fluctuations, overcrowding, underfeeding or similar stresses. In the established home aquarium, ich usually occurs when a new fish from a stressful environment (such as a bad pet store) is introduced without the proper quarantine period being observed. There are many methods of treating ich, including salt and high temperatures, and commercial remedies based on malachite green, methlyene blue and formalin.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What are the causes of Ichthyophthirius Multifiliis in fish?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Zoology

What is Ichthyophthirius Multifiliis?

Ichthyophthirius multifiliis is a species of ciliate protozoan which parasitizes freshwater fish; the disease it causes is usually called ich or white spot. It is probably the most common aquarium fish parasite and there are few Aquarists that have not met it on one or more occasions[1]. "Ich" (the colloquially abbreviated form of the name) is the largest known parasitic protozoan found on fishes. Adult organisms are oval or round and measure 0.5 to 1.0 mm in size. The adult is uniformly ciliated and contains a horseshoe-shaped nucleus which can be seen in older individuals. The disease becomes especially serious in enclosed areas, where it spreads quickly from one fish to another. Ich is the disease responsible for the most fatalities in freshwater aquarium fish and can cause notable damage to aquaculture. Marine ich is caused by a different ciliate, Cryptocaryon. After approximately one week of parasitism, mature trophozoites leave their host, settle to a substrate and secrete a cyst. The encysted cell, called a tomont, undergoes rapid division over approximately twenty-four hours to produce 600-1000 daughter cells called tomites. Once these reach maturity, they exit the cyst and develop into a theront stage, which is highly mobile. Theronts then infect new fish, digging their way into exposed parts, under the scales, or more commonly into its gill plate. The entire life-cycle takes about seven to ten days to complete.Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ichthyophthirius_multifiliis


Do Bettas get the ick?

All fish can catch the ich. The Ich is probably the common fish disease, the ich refers to a ciliated protozoan of the genus Ichthyophthirius. Ich is present all the time in aquaria just waiting the "right" time to burst. The ich covers himself with tough outer shell, in this time he feeds on the fish body fluids.This stage known as theront is a visible stage and we can see it clearly on the fish body. Each theront appears as a very small white spot on the fish body, those white spots are what we called ich disease.


How do sea lamprey cause a problem?

the sea lamprey causes problems by sticking themselves to a fish. all in all a sea lamprey has endangerd more fish in our ecosystem


Why do fishermen poke the eyes out of the fish they catch?

Poking the eyes releases the gases which causes the carcass to sink to the bottom. This prevents fish floating attracting birds.


How would the fish in a lake be affected if large amounts of hot water from a power plant or factory were released into the lake?

When the temperature of water rises, the solubility of gases goes down. This causes the fish to not be able to breath well.

Related questions

How is ich transferred?

The protozoa, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (or "Ich"), is transferred readily from tank to tank by infected fish, plants, and equipment. You should never use a net, or even your hands, in a tank known to be infected with Ich, in any other tank, before thoroughly sanitizing them. The reason for this is that, during its dividing stage, i. multifiliis produces an adhesive shell that will stick to anything, nets and hands included.


What is Ichthyophthirius Multifiliis?

Ichthyophthirius multifiliis is a species of ciliate protozoan which parasitizes freshwater fish; the disease it causes is usually called ich or white spot. It is probably the most common aquarium fish parasite and there are few Aquarists that have not met it on one or more occasions[1]. "Ich" (the colloquially abbreviated form of the name) is the largest known parasitic protozoan found on fishes. Adult organisms are oval or round and measure 0.5 to 1.0 mm in size. The adult is uniformly ciliated and contains a horseshoe-shaped nucleus which can be seen in older individuals. The disease becomes especially serious in enclosed areas, where it spreads quickly from one fish to another. Ich is the disease responsible for the most fatalities in freshwater aquarium fish and can cause notable damage to aquaculture. Marine ich is caused by a different ciliate, Cryptocaryon. After approximately one week of parasitism, mature trophozoites leave their host, settle to a substrate and secrete a cyst. The encysted cell, called a tomont, undergoes rapid division over approximately twenty-four hours to produce 600-1000 daughter cells called tomites. Once these reach maturity, they exit the cyst and develop into a theront stage, which is highly mobile. Theronts then infect new fish, digging their way into exposed parts, under the scales, or more commonly into its gill plate. The entire life-cycle takes about seven to ten days to complete.Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ichthyophthirius_multifiliis


Can ich be transferred to another tank by water?

Yes. During the lifecycle of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (or "Ich"), the parasite falls off of its host and encapsulates itself in an adhesive shell. It is then pulled by the current until it attaches to rocks, plants and other surfaces. The parasite can linger, free-swimming, in the water for some time, and thus infect new tanks by transferring water from one aquarium to another.


How do you treat Ick diseases on goldfish?

Visible tiny white spots anywhere on the fishes body are indicators of white spot. (Ich)They can often be seen scratching themselves against the gravel and other things in the tank. During spring however, the males develop white spots on their gills and pectoral fins so don't mistake them for disease.


A small catfish from Petsmart has a white spot on its head what is it?

Probably ich (Ichthyophthirius multifilis). It's a parasite.


What causes a fish to jump?

Turtles


What image causes a vivid picture in the story fish cheeks?

The unusual birthday ritual in Fish Cheeks causes a vivid picture.


What causes red algae in fish tanks?

i think if im not mistaken it is blood in the sperm of the fish


What causes a Betta fish to have buoyancy issues?

stress?


What is Ick?

== == The scientific name for this nuisance is Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, or "ich/ick" for short. It is the largest known ciliated protozoan found on fishes. It appears on the body and fins as tiny white dots resembling grains of salt; hence the other nickname, "white spot disease." These white spots may join together to form white patches. Other signs of infestation can include excessive flashing (rubbing against the substrate or decorations), labored breathing, clamped fins, loss of appetite, lethargic and/or reclusive behavior, and hovering near filter returns. Keep in mind, however, that all of these symptoms are common with fish in distress and do not point directly to Ich. As a matter of fact, flashing often occurs after routine water changes due simply to a fluctuation in general hardness.


Do Bettas get the ick?

All fish can catch the ich. The Ich is probably the common fish disease, the ich refers to a ciliated protozoan of the genus Ichthyophthirius. Ich is present all the time in aquaria just waiting the "right" time to burst. The ich covers himself with tough outer shell, in this time he feeds on the fish body fluids.This stage known as theront is a visible stage and we can see it clearly on the fish body. Each theront appears as a very small white spot on the fish body, those white spots are what we called ich disease.


What are the causes of increased mercury levels in fish found in Manitoba?

There could be a number of causes including diet, pollution, and natural production by the fish. Save time, have a steak instead.