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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

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What are the causes of Ichthyophthirius Multifiliis in fish?

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.


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 does fish ick look like?

Ick is white spots that look like salt on your fish. If your fish is infected, it can kill your fish. The common signs are rubbing against decor in the tank, cloudy eyes, ragged fins, rapid breathing and loss of appetite. Take your infected fish to a vet to receive medicine or use salt/heat remedies to remove it.


Related Questions

Does this multifilis Ichthyophthirius parasite can infect humans?

No, the Ichthyophthirius multifiliis parasite does not infect humans. It is a parasite that specifically infects fish, particularly freshwater fish species.


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 ick and how does it affect fish in a tank?

"Ick, also known as ichthyophthirius multifiliis, is a common parasitic infection that affects fish in tanks. It appears as white spots on the fish's body and fins. Ick can cause irritation, stress, and even death in fish if not treated promptly."


What are the causes of Ichthyophthirius Multifiliis in fish?

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.


Why does my goldfish have white spots on its body?

White spots on a goldfish's body could be a sign of a common parasitic infection called ich, which is caused by a parasite called Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. This parasite is often introduced to the fish through contaminated water or new fish. It is important to treat the infection promptly to prevent it from spreading to other fish in the tank.


Why does my goldfish have white spots on its head?

White spots on a goldfish's head could be a sign of a common parasitic infection called ich, which is caused by a parasite called Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. This parasite is often introduced to the fish through contaminated water or new fish. It is important to treat the infection promptly to prevent it from spreading to other fish in the tank.


What causes "ick" in a fish tank and how can it be prevented or treated effectively?

"Ick" in a fish tank is caused by a parasite called Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. It can be prevented by maintaining good water quality, avoiding stress to the fish, and quarantining new fish. To treat it effectively, you can raise the water temperature slowly to around 86F and use medication specifically designed to treat ich.


How do fish get ich and what are the common symptoms associated with this parasitic infection?

Fish get ich, also known as ichthyophthiriasis, from a parasite called Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. This parasite is commonly found in aquariums and can infect fish through contaminated water. Common symptoms of ich in fish include white spots on the skin, flashing or rubbing against objects, increased mucus production, and respiratory distress.


How did my fish get ick and what can I do to treat it?

Ich, or white spot disease, is a common parasitic infection in fish caused by the protozoan Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. Fish can get ich from poor water quality, stress, or introduction of infected fish. To treat ich, you can raise the water temperature to 86F for a few days, use aquarium salt, or medicate with anti-parasitic medications. It's important to also improve water quality and reduce stress for your fish.


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 white spots on black goldfish and how can they be treated effectively?

White spots on black goldfish are typically caused by a parasitic infection known as ich, or white spot disease. This condition is caused by the parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, which attaches to the fish's skin and fins. To effectively treat white spots on black goldfish, it is recommended to raise the water temperature gradually to around 80-82F and treat the tank with an anti-parasitic medication specifically designed to target ich. It is important to follow the instructions on the medication carefully and monitor the fish closely during treatment.


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.