Hexamita

[frank1985]

Hi guys,

My fish died from what seems to be hexamita about 3 weeks ago. I see that many fish carry it but never get sick if healthy. I am now wondering, if I add new fish to my display tank, are they going to get hexamita as well or they should be fine.

Thank you!

[frank1985]

Also, I am thinking about feeding metroplex to my new fish for the first 2 weeks in the tank, just in case there was some Hex left in the tank. Sounds right?

[Mishri]

Isn't that only a freshwater issue?

is it HLLE?

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-06/sp/

I've seen mixed theories on whether or not prazipro works, most do some form of metro**** (lab stuff is Metronidazole) Quinine products also apparently work. (Chlorquine phosphate is one of those, NLS: ich shield power)

I couldn't find any references to marine fish becoming infected with it..

[frank1985]

I just bought a new black Ocellaris, he's in the tank now and I will feed him Metro, kanaplex and focus with guarlic guard for 3 weeks. If no issue within 1 1/2 month I will add a second one. No hex is not fresh water only as far as I know.

[Mishri]

hexamita is actually Spironucleus.. (hexamita was believed to cause it-Hole in the Head disease, but it was later discovered it was Spironucleus)

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/vm053

Spironucleus torosa can infest marine fish.. but, no disease is associated with that strain:

http://afs-fhs.org/perch/resources/14069236023.2.2diplomonadflagellates2014.pdf

good diet and clean water will keep your fish alive and healthy while hosting the parasite-you can't tell they have it(kind of like tape worms in humans).

Unless someone has access to some other information I couldn't find... or you used a microscope for a positive ID i'd search other possibilities for disease. (it could still be an intestinal parasite that will respond to treatment of any parasites, but it seems it certainly isn't hexamita, and unlikely to be spironucleus torosa)