Trichodina

What is it?
Trichodina is caused by protozoan ciliate parasites of genus Trichodina. They are small, about 50 µm in diameter.

They live in the mulm of the substrate and filter systems waiting for a passing aquatic animal to come near enough for them to latch onto the surface of the animal.

Reproduction
They reproduce by binary fission (each cell splits into two) and they have a single host and

Infection
Trichodinids are typically found on the gills, skin and fins of fishes, though some species parasitise the urogenital system. A range of invertebrates are also host to trichodinid infections, including the surfaces of copepods and the mantle cavity of molluscs and snails. Transmission occurs by direct contact of infected and uninfected hosts, and also by active swimming of trichodinids from one host to another.

They feed off the bacteria on the fish surface and cause the fish irritation.

Causes
Poor water quality which usually means high bacterial counts provides a source of food for this parasite and so leads to high numbers of the parasite.

Symptoms
Fish flicks and rubs against surfaces causing surface damage of the skin. The method of attachment by the parasite also damages the skin surface which can lead to bacterial and ulcer infections.

In heavy infestations the fish will be lethargic, they may isolate themselves, stop feeding and lay on the bottom with clamped fins. It rarely kills. But does cause extreme stress which can make them susceptible to further bacterial and fungi infections.


 * Heavy infections of Trichodina can cause a greyish, white film over the body of the fish. Using a microscope of 200X will show individual parasites.

Treatment

 * Treat as if it was Ich.
 * Potassium permanganate at 1.5ppm seems to be very effective.
 * Malachite green with Formalin
 * Salt at 3% for emergency short term treatment. Low levels are often no use as this parasite is becoming resistant to salt.

Special notes

 * Believed to be common in imported species like the Golden Barb

Videos
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Links

 * Trichodina on Wikipedia
 * How to Recognize, Treat and Prevent Trichodina in Your Koi or Goldfish Pond
 * Trichodina by Duncan Griffiths
 * Trichodina pictures at Fishdoc
 * More Trichodina Images
 * Dealing with Trichodina and Trichodina-like species