Hey guys,
Most of the time I diagnose Hexamita as a surface pathogen. However I also do impressions of the vent. You can open a fish up and “run the gut” and look for these in wet mounts, as well.
Hexamita infections in Discus aquarium fish are caused by a protozoan parasite called Hexamita.
Symptoms of Hexamita infection include white areas on the fish’s body, decrease-to-disappearance of appetite, and marked weight loss.
In severe cases, the fish may develop ulcers and become lethargic.
To identify a Hexamita infection, I’ll examine the fish and take a sample of its feces for microscopic examination. The presence of the parasite in the feces will confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of Hexamita infections in Discus aquarium fish involves the use of antibiotics such as metronidazole or furazolidone. These medications should be administered in accordance with the instructions of a veterinarian or fish biologist. SeaChem’s “Metroplex” has proper instructions and is very good at clearing Hexamita and Spironucleus in tropical fish tanks. It can cause some clouding in the water however biological filtration is not destroyed.In addition, and as a way to reduce the odds of a problem (prevention or reduction in severity) the aquarium should be kept clean and the water should be changed constantly, or at least regularly. The fish should also be fed a nutritious diet to help it recover from the infection.
