fish six before the flagella/spoironucleus-head perforation

Hexamitasp. Octomitus sp. -and Sprionucleus sp.) Signs of infection Infected fish first lose their appetite, then they darken in color and begin to swim erratically. In particular, cichlids, and sometimes other fish, have small holes in their heads through which parasites protrude like whitish matter and can also be found in fresh excreta. As the disease progresses, the fish becomes thin and the holes become larger as the meat is eaten.

Affected fish are most concerned about this disease, known as "head piercing" disease, or cichlid disease, and there may be other unidentified causes. In particular, it may appear in the same way in large angelfish and garrulous fish.

Hexacoflagellates and Sprionucleus sp. are both microscopic, single-celled parasites with eight flagella. Sprionucleus sp. is rounder and less slender than Hexacoflagellates. The two parasites have similar lifestyles, but Sprionucleus sp. is generally less debilitating. Little is known about the reproductive cycle of parasites. But under crowded environmental conditions, parasites may be carried along with bait and spread. They reproduce in the intestine and spread through the bloodstream to all internal organs of the body. Heavily infested fish may become thin and die without showing any superficial damage. This is especially common in young cichlid and gourami. Wounds on cichlids and other fish are very quickly subject to secondary infections caused by fungi and bacteria.

Recommended treatments include treatments specifically designed to treat trichuris, but certain new antiparasitic combinations are effective. This disease responds to metronidazole and dimetridazole administered via diet and water (must be veterinary formulation). Success depends on ensuring early treatment and addressing secondary infections with appropriate antifungal and antibacterial drugs.