Brooklynella hostilis is a parasite of marine fish, found in wild fish, farmed fish and aquariums.[1] It is kidney-bean shaped, and approximately 60–80 μm (0.0024–0.0031 in) long,[1] with bands of cilia.[2] It reproduces by binary fission.[3]
B. hostilis causes the disease Brooklynellosis, also known as slime-blotch or clownfish disease.[3] In marine aquariums, B.hostilis infects most teleosts (ray finned fishes).[4]B.hostilis feeds on dead skin cells and can cause severe damage to gills.[5] Affected fish have a gray discoloration, and may breathe abnormally fast or abnormally slow.[2] The infection can cause sloughing of skin, and congestion of the gills.[6]
The parasite spreads rapidly, and can easily transfer to a new host.[7]Formalin is an effective treatment.[2]
References
^ abCalado, R; Olivotto, I; Planas Oliver, M; Holt, JG, eds. (2017). "Chapter 19.2.4: Brooklynella hostilis". Marine Ornamental Species Aquaculture. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN9781119307013.
^ abcMitchell, M; Tully, TN Jr. (2015). Current Therapy in Exotic Pet Practice. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 26. ISBN9780323243551.
^Basson, Linda; Van As, Jo (2006). "Trichodinidae and other Ciliophorans (phylum Chiliophora)". In Woo, P.T.K. (ed.). Fish Diseases and Disorders (2nd ed.). CABI Publishing Series. p. 168. ISBN978-0-85199-015-6.
^Roberts, RJ (2012). Fish Pathology (4th ed.). John Wiley & Sons. p. 310. ISBN9781118222966.
^Colorni, A; Diamant, A (2014). Woo, PTK; Bruno Gregory, DW (eds.). Diseases and disorders of finfish in cage culture (2nd ed.). CAB books. p. 166. ISBN9781780642079.