Chilodonella
Image from Brunel Microscopes
Chilodonella is a serious parasite, one of the most dangerous to our fish. It is a cillicate protazoa; in simple terms it is covered in tiny hairs, which constantly vibrate, thus enabling it to move around. Because of its size (40-60) microns (a micron is one thousand of an inch) you have to view this true parasite via a mucus scrape and microscope for correct diagnosis. The shape of this beast resembles a hairy gooseberry. There is a distinct mouth area which is lined stiff hairs and this forms what is termed the "oral basket". With this mouth it punctures the skin cells and/or the delicate gill tissue then literally sucks out the contents. Imagine the damage a large infestation of this parasite could do, and very quickly.
Once established it feeds invasively on the fish. Any damaged tissue in the aquatic environment is always open to opportunist bacteria and fungi because those spores are always present in the water.
Chilodonella, along with other protozoan's have an inbuilt 'sense' to determine when a fish is unwell and will quickly invade it. Because of the nature of this parasite's reproductive system the fish will quickly be overcome.
It is most likely that an infestation of Chilodonella will only become obvious when it approaches a clinical level. A mucus sample at this point may reveal many hundreds of this parasite. In severe cases the skin can be so densely covered with parasites it may appear swollen. In such cases the skin may fall away in strips.
It can only live a short while without a host, it can however swim short distances thus can cross infect other fish.
At the onset of a protozoan attack the fish have a natural response to the immense irritation, they produce extra mucus, but left untreated the skin cells soon become exhausted and unable to produce mucus. The skin becomes very dry to the touch and fungal spores will quickly invade the unprotected fish.
Symptoms are rubbing or flashing vigorously, the pectoral fins may be clamped and the fish may jump out of the water. If there is gill damage it may hang around the pond surface gasping for air.
A visual indication which may suggest that you have a protozoa attack is the appearance of a blue-grey haze on the body, often from the nose back to the dorsal fin area. Commonly known as blue slime disease, which could be mistaken for the viral condition Carp Pox, therefore a mucus scrape is necessary for correct identification and treatment.
The lifestyle of Chilodonella is very simple; it reproduces by Binary fission that is simply dividing into daughter cells.
The optimum temperature for this parasite seems to be 5 to 10 C (41 to 50 F) which give this nasty a very good start on the Koi's immune system which does not start firing on all cylinders until the water is much warmer.
Constant improvements in medication are made to eradicate this parasite, please contact us for treatments and correct use of dosage for your pond and Koi.
Once established it feeds invasively on the fish. Any damaged tissue in the aquatic environment is always open to opportunist bacteria and fungi because those spores are always present in the water.
Chilodonella, along with other protozoan's have an inbuilt 'sense' to determine when a fish is unwell and will quickly invade it. Because of the nature of this parasite's reproductive system the fish will quickly be overcome.
It is most likely that an infestation of Chilodonella will only become obvious when it approaches a clinical level. A mucus sample at this point may reveal many hundreds of this parasite. In severe cases the skin can be so densely covered with parasites it may appear swollen. In such cases the skin may fall away in strips.
It can only live a short while without a host, it can however swim short distances thus can cross infect other fish.
At the onset of a protozoan attack the fish have a natural response to the immense irritation, they produce extra mucus, but left untreated the skin cells soon become exhausted and unable to produce mucus. The skin becomes very dry to the touch and fungal spores will quickly invade the unprotected fish.
Symptoms are rubbing or flashing vigorously, the pectoral fins may be clamped and the fish may jump out of the water. If there is gill damage it may hang around the pond surface gasping for air.
A visual indication which may suggest that you have a protozoa attack is the appearance of a blue-grey haze on the body, often from the nose back to the dorsal fin area. Commonly known as blue slime disease, which could be mistaken for the viral condition Carp Pox, therefore a mucus scrape is necessary for correct identification and treatment.
The lifestyle of Chilodonella is very simple; it reproduces by Binary fission that is simply dividing into daughter cells.
The optimum temperature for this parasite seems to be 5 to 10 C (41 to 50 F) which give this nasty a very good start on the Koi's immune system which does not start firing on all cylinders until the water is much warmer.
Constant improvements in medication are made to eradicate this parasite, please contact us for treatments and correct use of dosage for your pond and Koi.