Some aquarists have been told that keeping fish (the host of the Cryptocaryon irritans parasite) out of the main tank is curative. It makes sense and it does work. The reason for this is that these are obligate parasites, meaning that without the host, they will perish. The only problem is… how long do you leave your aquarium fish-less? Research has shown that some tomonts (the asexually reproducing stage of the parasite that occurs on the tank floor) can prolong release of their tomites (the infective stages) for up to 10 weeks. Any duration shorter than this will be inadequate. And where would you keep your fish for 10 whole weeks?
There just might be a treatment out there that might work on these critters and at the same time is allegedly safe for corals. I’m just waiting for the right client who will be willing to take the risk. Or at least put some sacrificial corals in their hospital tank and we can use the medication in that tank.
For more detailed information about their biology, read the scientific paper by Colorni & Burgess (1997) Cryptocaryon irritans Brown 1951, the cause of `white spot disease’ in marine fish: an update.
Abstract: Cryptocaryon irritans Brown 1951, a holotrichous ciliate parasite of marine fishes, causes`marine white spot disease’. In aquaria, C. irritans can cause acute damage and heavy mortalities to marine teleosts. Although first described 60 years ago, only within the last decade has detailed information emerged concerning its life cycle, transmission and pathogenesis. An update of our knowledge of this important aquarium fish parasite is presented here.
Keywords: Cryptocaryon irritans, white spot disease, ciliate, Colpodida, parasitic protozoa
