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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stuttgart, Arkansas » Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Cntr » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #96564
Title: ICH (WHITE SPOT DISEASE)

Author
item DURBOROW, ROBERT - COOP EXT SERVICE/KSU
item Mitchell, Andrew
item CROSBY, M. - COOP EXT SERVICE/KSU

Submitted to: Southern Regional Aquaculture Center Publication
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/1/1998
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Ich is the common name of the parasite called Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and for the disease it causes. Information on the shape, movement, internal structure and size of this large protozoan parasite is given for identification purposes. The behavior of infected fish is also included. The protozoan's complex life-cycle with free and embedded stages, the effect of temperature on this cycle, and an unusual variation in its life cycle are discussed. A paragraph is included on the damage this parasite causes to the skin and gills of the fish host. Prevention and treatment of the parasite are discussed in length at the close of the paper.

Technical Abstract: Ich is the common name of the parasite called Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and for the disease it causes. Information on the protozoan parasite is given for identification purposes. The behavior of infected fish is also included. The protozoan's complex life-cycle with free and embedded stages, the effect of temperature on this cycle, and an unusual variation in its life cycle are discussed. A paragraph is included on the damage this parasite causes to the skin and gills of the fish host. Prevention and treatment of the parasite are discussed in length at the close of the paper.