Costiasis

About Costiasis
Costiasis  or Costia  is a freshwater ciliated protozoa parasite species called Ichthyobodo necatrix or Ichtyobodo pyriformis. Formally known as species Costia necatrix.

These are stalked or Flagella (hairs) protozoa which attach to the skin or gills of fish to feed and can swim and attach themselves to other fish and then reproduces to infect other fish.

Quite a common parasite in Koi or outdoor Goldfish.

Symptoms
Signs of infection include excess mucous production, respiratory distress, lethargy, clamped fins, general debilitation and resting on the substrate.

The parasites feed on the gill and skin cells and can quickly kill fish by depriving them of oxygen and allowing secondary infection of fungus and bacteria in to the wounds.


 * This parasite can multiply quickly so treatment needs to be rapid.

Treatment

 * Due to its inability to live in water above, treat as if it was Ich by using a commercial Ich treatment or technique.


 * Other recommended treatments include Malachite Green, Potassium Permanganate, Acriflavine and strong salt baths of 3%.


 * See also Treatment 8 by Waterlife