| Hot: |  |  | | | |
Hexamita-
Hexamita are intestinal flagellated protozoa that attack the lower intestine. The first sign is a slimy, white mucous feces even though the fish is acting fine. The fish will start to hide in corners of the tank and swim backwards. Further signs are that the head will start to become thin and black above the eyes. These protozoa attack the lower intestine so another sign is the wasting away of the fish and the loss of appetite.
Two steps need to be taken to fight these protozoa. The first is to treat the food for the fish with 1% metronidazole, this will treat the protozoa that are in the stomach of the fish. The second step is to treat the water with the same medication at a mixture of 12 mg per liter; this will kill any protozoa that are still in the water. Treat the water every other day for three treatments to ensure the water is treated properly.
Hexamita is often confused with Head and Lateral Line Erosion (HLLE) or hole-in-head disease. Both Hexamita and HLLE are often seen at the same time. HLLE is seen as tiny holes or cavities in the head and is due to poor environmental conditions, while Hexamita is a thinning of the head and is caused by protozoa.