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Pleistophora, Gurley, 1893
Neon tetra disease

Type: Sporozoa, several species of Pleistophora lead a parasitic life, they occur both in fresh and marine water. The most common species found in freshwater aquaria is Pleistophora hyphessobryconis (Shäperclaus, 1941).

Synonym: Plistophora. Common names: Neon-tetra disease

Symptoms: Partial discoloration of the body, caused by decaying muscles.

Description: Pleistophora hyphessobryconis is a sporozoid, which forms cysts in muscles and internal organs of the fish. In these 30 mu large cysts spores are formed, that will infect the surrounding healthy muscles, and form a new cyst. .The parasite multiplies in a cyste. Cross infection occurs when a cyst bursts open into the water, or if the kidneys of the fish are infected. Those spores infect other fish through the intestines if they are "eaten".

Infections: The only way the infection is transferred is if there is fish-fish contact, or if water containing spores is added to the tank.

Treatments: The disease cannot be treated. Infected fish should be removed from an aquarium immediately before they infect other fish. Keeping all fish separate from eachother for a period of two weeks, or adding an antibiotic has been recommended to prevent further infection.

Quarantine period for new fish, and for treated fish: 14 days.

Additional: The common name may suggest otherwise, but this disease can occur in several species besides Paracheirodon innesi, it has been seen in Rasbora axelrodi, Brachydanio rerio, and as can be seen in the pictures Nannostomus marginatus and Cheirodon axelrodi.

Picture references: All pictures E. Naus

References:Sterba, G. et al.(1981): Encyclopedie van de Aquaristiek en de Ichtyologie. H. J. W. Becht's Uitgeversmaatschappij bv, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.Schubert, G.(?): Ziekten van aquariumvissen. B.V. W. J. Thieme & cie, Zutphen, The Netherlands

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