Results for “protozoa”

protozoa

Plural of protozoan.

protozoan

Any member of a diverse group of unicellular eukaryotic organisms including amoebas, ciliates, flagellates, and sporozoans. Also spelled protozoon.

zooxanthella

Any member of the yellow-green algae genus Symbiodinium, comprising unicellular, flagellate protozoa that exist within the cells of other protozoa and some invertebrates, especially corals. They thus form an endosymbiosis in which they can provide up to 90% of the host's energy requirements.

acriflavine

An antiseptic used to treat external fungal plus general bacterial and protozoan infections in ornamental fishes and disinfect fish eggs in aquaculture. Also known as Acriflavinium chloride, ie., the chemical compound from which it is formed.

Chilonodella

Genus of unicellular, ciliated protozoa; some species are parasites of the skin and gills in freshwater fishes.

ciliate

Any member of a group of protozoans characterised by possession of cilia.

cirrus

Slender, hair-like, usually flexible appendage such as the arm of a barnacle or fused groups of cilia seen in some protozoans.

Used in 1 profile

coral reef

Erosion-resistant aquatic structure formed from living corals, their rock-like skeletal secretions and calcium carbonate deposits from other organisms such as calcareous algae, molluscs, and protozoans.

costiasis

Disease of freshwater fishes caused by species of parasitic flagellate protozoa from the genus Ichthyobodo and more accurately referred to as ichthyobodiosis. It attacks the gills, fins and skin with symptoms including an increase body mucus secretion giving rise to the vernacular term 'skin slime disease'. Can be treated using proprietary products but frequently fatal otherwise.

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.

Used in 35 profiles

ich

Common name for Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, a protozoan which infects freshwater fish. Commonly referred to as white spot due to the characteristic white nodules formed under the skin or gill tissue during the feeding stage of its life cycle.

Used in 18 profiles

infusoria

Collective term for certain members of the protozoan Phylum Ciliophora, of which it is considered a subclass in certain classification systems. Members naturally inhabit infusions of decomposing organic material and some are cultured by aquarists in order to feed very small fish fry. The name was formerly applied to a much larger group of aquatic microorganisms which also included some other protist groups and unicellular algae.

Used in 186 profiles

metronidazole

Antibiotic used in aquaria as a wide spectrum treatment for bacterial and protozoan infections.

microorganism

Organism that can be seen only with the aid of a microscope. Typically unicellular, e.g., baceria, protozoa, some algae.

Used in 94 profiles

Paramecium

Genus of unicellular ciliate protozoa with a shape resembling a grain of rice, a number of species of which are cultured as live food for small fishes and fry.

Used in 117 profiles