Learn all about how to diagnose and treat the many types of saltwater ich parasites that can plague and kill marine fish in aquariums, such as White Spot, Black Spot, Velvet and Clownfish Diseases, as well as other parasitic animals like fish flukes and lice.
Oodinium (Velvet/Rust/Coral Fish Disease) and Cryptocaryon (White Spot Disease) are NOT the same! Learn the differences between these two types of saltwater ich that can plague fish in aquariums, how to diagnose, properly treat each effectively, as well as prevent infestations.
Diagnose and treat Brooklynella, or what is commonly known as Clownfish Disease. Although a form of saltwater ich that is usually related to Clownfishes, this parasitic organism can and does affect Angelfishes as well as other species.
FAQ - Saltwater Ich: What is it and how do I treat it? It is very important to identify the parasite which is affecting your fish and tank before treating.
Saltwater Ich (Cryptocaryon) is the most common parasitic disease in saltwater aquariums. The life cycle of the parasite has 4 stages or phases. Understanding which phases of Saltwater Ich are most vulnerable to treatment will help you determine when to use them and understand why they work.
Cryptocaryoniasis, Marine Ich, or White Spot Disease is caused by an infestation of the ciliated protozoan Cryptocaryon irritans. Although Cryptocaryon becomes a parasitic organism at one stage in its life cycle like Oodinium and Brooklynella do, and it progresses less rapidly. In a closed aquarium system it can reach overwhelming and disastrous numbers just the same if it is not diagnosed and treated upon recognition.
Oodinium, Velvet or Coral Fish Disease is a type of saltwater ich caused from an infestation of the single-celled dinoflagellates Amyloodinium ocellatum. They reproduce rapidly, and can wipe out an aquarium fish population if not properly diagnosed and quickly treated.
Resistant Cryptocarayon Shows Up In 06' - This strain of marine Ich is resistant to traditional treatments with Formaldehyde, Malachite Green, Copper and All the dyes. Greatly peaking my interest, I investigated further, and upon reading this next statement, my interest became concern.
Parasitic infestations in a saltwater aquarium are among the most feared and difficult to treat. There are a number of medications on the market designed to prevent and/or eliminate parasites. Some can be used with invertebrates, some can not.
Brooklynella Diagnosis and Treatment - A type of saltwater ich caused by an infestation of the ciliated protozoan Brooklynella hostilis, this disease is most closely and commonly associated with Clownfishes, and therefore is typically referred to as Clownfish Disease. Although this parasitic scourge requires a fish host to survive, it is not particular in its quest to find one. These protozoa multiply rapidly, which is why they can kill fish within a few days and even hours upon recognition.
Brooklynella, is a form of saltwater ich that can kill fish within a few days and even hours upon onset. The most effective medication for treating Brooklynella (Clownfish Disease) is formaldehyde.
Also referred to as Black Ich, your Guides explain what Black Spot Disease is, where it comes from, what causes it and how to treat fish infestations of this disease.
