What is Black Spot Disease?

[naldopr]

typically a "disease" that is most commonly associated with Tangs and Surgeonfishes, but one that can be contracted by other species as well, what is referred to as Black Spot Disease, Tang Disease or Black Ich is actually caused by an infestation of tiny Genus Paravortex member turbellarian flatworms.

Although parasitic organisms that are much less dangerous and life-threatening, as well as rather easy to get rid of compared to other ich diseases such as Oodinium, Cryptocaryon, and Brooklynella, nonetheless it is a problem that needs to be treated upon recognition to eradicate infected fishes of these parasites.

The Life Cycle of These Worms

Living in the substrate until mature, an adult worm seeks out a host fish.
After feeding for about six days, it falls off into the substrate.
About five days later the worm's body ruptures and releases a new population of young worms, and the cycle starts again, but in larger numbers.

Symptoms to Look For

Once these worms start feeding on a host fish they acquire pigmentation, which causes the appearance of black spots about the size of a grain of salt on the body and fin membranes

reatment Recommendation

Give all infected fish a freshwater dip, followed by a formalin bath and continue treatment in a QT.

Preventing Reinfestation

Reinfection will occur no matter how effectively the fish have been treated if these parasitic tubellarian worms are not eradicated from the main aquarium. Unfortunately because they can survive for several months without a host, this is often not an easy thing to do, but here are some suggestions.

Leave the main aquarium devoid of all fish for several months.
Young worms live in the substrate and feed on detritus and organic debris until such time they mature and go in search of a fish host. By siphoning up excess organic matter that can build up on the bottom of the aquarium can help to control their numbers.
For fish-only tanks that have no freshwater sensitive invertebrates present, hyposalinity can be applied.

[Mr.Reefer]

good info.
How can I prevent these worms from appearing on my tanks?

[naldopr]

Originally Posted by Mr.Reefer

good info.
How can I prevent these worms from appearing on my tanks?

first thing is choising right fish. and like it say this worm are hard to kill.

[Mr.Reefer]

Originally Posted by naldopr

first thing is choising right fish. and like it say this worm are hard to kill.

Ok, so these worms can only get to your tank by an infected fish?

[naldopr]

photo os black ick

[Noxic]

I haven't actually heard about this! Interesting read, I will be cautious. thanks

[naldopr]

your welcome!!