Cryptocaryon Irritans

Due to the life cycle of C.irritans and ornamental fish habitat, it becomes apparent that in the confined space of a fish tank, C.irritans can pose several problems.

The parasite Cryptocaryonirritans was first described by Brown in 1951. It is a ciliate parasite responsible for the common ‘white spot disease’ which has plagued most hobbyists in their fish keeping history.

Scientific studies over the past 20 years have given much attention to the parasite because of its devastating effect on aquaculture facilities.

As a result there has been an inherent fear of disease in aquaria and any observation of a white spot has let to a mass panic on forums.

C. irritans is found in the wild throughout Indo-pacific, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Atlantic and Caribbean along coastal zones and estuaries. Its adaptation and existence in different environments is a clear strength of its ability to survive in significant temperature and salinity ranges.

The parasite displays a low host specifity when defined to an aquarium environment and causes severe epizootics. The parasite consists for 4 stages; tomont, theront, trophont and protomont.

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Article by Crypto and FMjames