Apiosoma (a.k.a. Glossatella)



Symptoms: Apiosoma, formerly known as Glossatella, is common among pond-raised fish. It can be diagnosed by the presence of vase-shaped parasites on the gills, skin, or fins. This parasite causes increased mucus production and hyperplasia of the skin and/or gills. If hyperplasia of the gills occurs, the fish will experience respiratory distress and may be seen near the surface of the water, gasping for air.
Cause: The ciliated protozoan Apiosoma. This disease is more prevalent when fish are exposed to poor water conditions.
Treatment: Fish can be treated with 15-30 minute bath of Copper Sulfate (5-7 ppm) or Malachite Green (1 ppm) or they can be given a continuous bath with concentrations 10 x lower than the bath solutions. Other treatments include 30 minute baths of Potassium permanganate (10 mg/L) or a continuous bath (2 mg/L) or a 30 minute bath with Formalin (150-250 mg/L) or a continuous bath (15-25 mg/L = 2 drops/gallon or 1 mL/10 gallons).