Difference between revisions of "Fish Louse"

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(Created page with "==Introduction== 250px|thumb|right|'''Fish Louse (''Argulus sp.'') attached to the skin of a fish ''' The '''fish louse''' is a '''metazoan parasite''' of '...")
 
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==Introduction==
 
==Introduction==
[[File:Argulus.jpg|250px|thumb|right|'''Fish Louse (''Argulus sp.'') attached to the skin of a fish ''']]
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[[File:Argulus.jpg|250px|thumb|right|'''Fish Louse (''Argulus sp.'') attached to the skin of a fish (Wikimedia Commons)''']]
  
 
The '''fish louse''' is a '''metazoan parasite''' of '''freshwater fish'''.  
 
The '''fish louse''' is a '''metazoan parasite''' of '''freshwater fish'''.  
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enzymes into the surrounding tissues and then feeds on the digested bodily fluids.  
 
enzymes into the surrounding tissues and then feeds on the digested bodily fluids.  
  
A consequence of this is '''localised inflammation and irritation''' of the skin, which is a welfare concern. It also allows secondary '''opportunistic infections''' to develop, and can transit '''bacterial and viral infections''' directly.
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A consequence of this is '''localised inflammation and irritation''' of the skin, which is a welfare concern. It also allows secondary '''opportunistic infections''' to develop, and can transit '''bacterial and viral infections''' directly.
  
 
==Diagnosis==
 
==Diagnosis==

Revision as of 14:23, 14 September 2011

Introduction

Fish Louse (Argulus sp.) attached to the skin of a fish (Wikimedia Commons)

The fish louse is a metazoan parasite of freshwater fish.

The louse has a sharp stylet along the ventral midline that it uses to pierce the skin of the fish. It then injects digestive enzymes into the surrounding tissues and then feeds on the digested bodily fluids.

A consequence of this is localised inflammation and irritation of the skin, which is a welfare concern. It also allows secondary opportunistic infections to develop, and can transit bacterial and viral infections directly.

Diagnosis

The louse can be seen with the naked eye, growing up to 7 mm in length.

Treatment

Infestations can be treated with an increase in water salinity. If this is ineffective organophosphates or chitin inhibitors can be used.


Fish Louse Learning Resources
FlashcardsFlashcards logo.png
Flashcards
Test your knowledge using flashcard type questions
Ornamental Fish Q&A 10


References

Frye, FL & Williams, DL (1995) Self-Assessment Colour Review - Reptiles & Amphibians Manson

Maclean, B (2006) Common dermatoses of ornamental fish and amphibians In Practice 2006 28: 604-613

Southgate, P (1994) Laboratory diagnosis of fish disease In Practice 1994;16:252-255

Stuart, N (1988) Common skin diseases of farmed and pet fish In Practice 1988 10: 47-53

Wildgoose, W (1998) Skin disease in ornammental fish: identifying common problems In Practice 1998 20: 226-243