Oodinium
The causative agent of this insidious disease, Oodinium ocellatum , is a dinoflagellate, a unicellular parasite that attaches to its host with a rhizoid. Often difficult to diagnose, Oodinium infection can result in widespread fish loss if not recognized and treated early. Infected fish must be viewed from different angles in order to diagnose in its early stages. In advanced stages, skins and fins become involved.
The disease presents as a very fine whitish film of indistinct spots covering the body but more easily detected on the fins. With the root like structures, the organism can gain a firm hold on its hosts and cause significant damage to the mucosal layer. This leads to secondary infections due to weakened defense mechanisms in the fish. Infected fish are restless, breathe heavily, and often rub their bodies on the bottom of aquariums or coral. Oodinium can easily be seen at 100 magnification under a microscope.
After several days, the parasite drops off the host and divides into numerous daughter cells. These daughter cells form flagella and swim away. The spores must find a host within 24 hours. It is important that fish are quarantined prior to purchase and are treated to help prevent outbreaks of this deadly disease in the aquarium.
Everything in the aquarium should be treated with copper sulfate at .15 to .2ppm or with Sea Chem Cupramin at .6ppm. Remember copper will kill invertebrates so they must be removed prior to treatment. Early detection and treatment is effective in reducing fish loss.
Cryptocaryon
Cryptocaryon, or white spot disease, is probably the most frequently occurring disease in the aquarium. The Cryptocaryon counter part in freshwater is Ichthyophthitius multifiliis. Both diseases are often thrown together and slanged with the term "ich." This disease is caused by ciliates and is recognized by typical white spots on the body and fins. The disease normally develops after drastic changes in water quality or environment. Change in temperature, nitrite, ammonia or pH readings bring on an outbreak.
Since the Crypyocaryon organism is almost always present in the aquarium, it is important to do everything possible to reduce any stress factors that might result in an outbreak. Treatments of formaldehyde-malachite green or formaldehyde-copper sulfate have been proven more effective than copper sulfate alone. Formaldehyde can be harmful to biological filters and harmful to invertebrates. Vitamin C additions appears to have a preventive effect and has been reported to help cure this disease. Treatment should be for 8-10 days to ensure that the whole life cycle of the disease is killed.
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