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Type of Disease Protozoan Disease
Disease Name: Malawi Bloat
Additional Names: Cryptobia iubilans
General Information: Cryptobia iubilans is a protozoan parasite believed by many to be the main culprit behind "Malawi Bloat". Bloat is a disease affecting Rift Lake Cichlids, and is also transmissible to Central and South American Cichlids. Cryptobia lives in the gut of infected cichlids.
This parasite causes gramulomas (inflammation) in the lining of the stomach. It has also been known to spread to the liver, kidneys, brain, and other organs. When the parasite reaches the liver and kidneys is when you would see the 'Bloat' as the damage to those organs cause a buildup of fluids in the body cavity.
It is still unknown what the exact 'trigger' is for the outbreak, but it is assumed that stress caused from poor water quality, over crowding, and handling are factors. Diet is potentially also a factor. It has been proven in laboratory mice that extreme changes in diet affect the intestinal bacteria, thus creating a favorable environment for the presence of intestinal flagellates.
Cryptobia iubilans has a direct life cycle and is shed in feces. It also lives in the water column for a few hours. It is thought to be transmitted by ingestion of infected tissue. Be sure to remove any carcasses immediately.
Diagnostic PointersThis parasite causes gramulomas (inflammation) in the lining of the stomach. It has also been known to spread to the liver, kidneys, brain, and other organs. When the parasite reaches the liver and kidneys is when you would see the 'Bloat' as the damage to those organs cause a buildup of fluids in the body cavity.
It is still unknown what the exact 'trigger' is for the outbreak, but it is assumed that stress caused from poor water quality, over crowding, and handling are factors. Diet is potentially also a factor. It has been proven in laboratory mice that extreme changes in diet affect the intestinal bacteria, thus creating a favorable environment for the presence of intestinal flagellates.
Cryptobia iubilans has a direct life cycle and is shed in feces. It also lives in the water column for a few hours. It is thought to be transmitted by ingestion of infected tissue. Be sure to remove any carcasses immediately.
Progressive loss of appetite
White, stringy feces
High respiration
Infected fish will separate from the group and hang at the surface. *By the time fish are hanging at the surface, they are usually anemic.
TreatmentWhite, stringy feces
High respiration
Infected fish will separate from the group and hang at the surface. *By the time fish are hanging at the surface, they are usually anemic.
There is no guaranteed effective treatment for Bloat. However, many people are successful with metronidazole administered in food or as a bath, as well as Clout administered as a bath. Water changes during infection and medicating is extremely important.
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