Flagellates are single-celled organisms that move around by moving a whip like structure called a flagella. They are parasites that are commonly found in and around many tropical fish species, like discus fish.
There are many species of flagellates. Some of these live in the intestinal structure of discus fish, and some of them live in the mucus of discus fish gills and skin. They can live without causing trouble in the fish. But when the discus fish gets stressed, even some of these ordinarily harmless flagellates can become harmful.
Some common intestinal and non-intestinal flagellates that can infect discus fish are: Bodomonas, Trichomonas, Hexamita, and Spironucleus.
Bodomonas can occur in crowded tanks of discus fish. One of the main symptoms is that the gills, skin and fins appear to have a slimy secretion that looks a little foggy. In more advanced stages, it can look like the discus fish has red patches in the affected areas. The fins will fold in and the gills might look like they are rotting away.
Hexamita/Spironucleus is commonly associated with the cause of Hexamitiasis hole in the head disease in tropical fish like discus fish. It is caused by a flagellate, and is common in cichlids. These flagellates are likely found in the intestines of the fish, where they are harmless. It is only when the discus fish is weakened in some way that these parasites multiply rapidly and spread into the rest of the body. Once the parasites become established in the other internal organs, the discus fish will lose its appetite and die.
Discus fish that are infected with Hexamita will usually produce a stringy white feces. The discus fish's coloration will be more dull, and not as bright as usual. Sometimes, lesions will appear on the discus fish’s head and or rear. It is also worthy to note that hexamita infections may also be responsible for head and lateral line erosion (HLLE) disease in discus fish.
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Discus Fish For Beginners
The discus fish is known as the crown jewel of the aquarium world. Why? Because these are beautiful fish that are VERY difficult to keep. This blog is a guide for the beginner discus fish enthusiast.
