Infection with Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and Trichodina sp. in Angel fish (Pterophyllum scalare) in Iran

Angel fish )Pterophyllum scalare) is a popular ornamental freshwater fish belongedto Cichlidae, and its culture has begun in recent years in Iran. In the fall of 2013, atone of ornamental fish breeding centers, some symptoms such as rubbing the skin tothe aquarium’s wall, and in some cases, lethargy, anorexia, tiny spots on the skin intwo groups of Angel fish were observed, along with mortality. To identify the agent,three Angel fish from each aquarium were sent to the College of Veterinary Medicine,University of Tehran. Then, wet mounts from the skin, fins, and gills of the fish wereprepared examined under a light microscope. From the skin and gills of fish of firstaquarium, ich parasites (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis) was observed, and Trichodinasp. from second one. Trichodina sp. was observed only in the skin, whereas I.multifiliis was observed both in the skin and the gills. Contamination with I. multifiliiswas higher than Trichodina sp. For treatment of infected fish, Angel fish in anaquarium was treated twice with a short time bath, One hour formaldehyde 1 in 4000(within 48 h). In case of those contaminated radioactive fish, after each treatment andflushing in the water tank, the aquarium temperature was increased to 31 ° C. Oneweek after the second treatment, wet preparation microscopy was attempted in anumber of fishes randomly. The results of microscopic examination after treatmentshowed that parasitic infections resolved completely.

Keywords:

Angel fish , Parasite , Trichodina sp. Ichthyophthirius multifiliis , Report