Glossary

parasite

Organism that lives on or in a second, host organism of a different species, with the latter deriving no benefit or being directly harmed by the relationship.

Used in 133 species profiles

Related terms

Chilonodella
Genus of unicellular, ciliated protozoa; some species are parasites of the skin and gills in freshwater fishes.
copepod
Any member of the subclass Copepoda, a group of small marine and freshwater crustaceans of which the planktonic species are important to global ecology, forming the main constituent of oceanic zooplankton. Some species are parasites of fishes.
ectoparasite
A parasite that lives outside its host. Opposite of endoparasite.
endoparasite
A parasite that lives inside its host. Opposite of ectoparasite.
head and lateral line erosion
Severe physical condition relatively common to certain fishes in captivity and also known as hole-in-the-head. Sometimes attributed to protozoan parasites of the genus Hexamita or an autoimmune disorder though these theories remains unconfirmed. Certainly associated with and exacerbated by poor water quality and/or nutrition, however. Initially manifests itself as small lesions, normally on the head of an affected individual, but may also extend along the lateral line and into the unpaired fins. If left unchecked these lesions can develop into larger, whitish pits and the condition may prove fatal. Often abbreviated to HLLE and similar to, but not analagous with, neuromastic pitting. Does not appear to occur in nature.
parasitic
Of, relating to, caused by, or characteristic of a parasite.
parasitism
The relationship existing between a parasite and host; the state of being infested by or being a parasite.
quarantine
Period of isolation, often enforced post-import or purchase of new fish(es) in aquaria, in order to prevent transmission of pathogens or parasites.
quarantine tank
An aquarium set up and maintained for purposes of quarantine. May also be used to isolate diseased, parasite-infested or otherwise unwell individuals, in which case it may be referred to as a hospital tank.
salt bath
Treatment against various parasites which involves placing a freshwater fish in a solution of saline water with the salt concentration and period of exposure variable depending on the size of the fish and severity of infection. Similar to a salt dip in that parasites are killed via osmotic shock, but of longer duration.
salt dip
Treatment against various parasites which involves briefly placing a freshwater fish in a solution of saline water with the salt concentration depending on the size of the fish and severity of infection. Similar to a salt bath in that parasites are killed via osmotic shock, but of much shorter duration.
worms (parasite)
Any species of nematode worm which spends part of its life cycle as an internal parasite within a fish's intestinal system.

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