Aquatic Parasite Observatory

Trichodina spp. (Ehrenberg, 1831)

    • Species Name: Trichodina spp. (Ehrenberg, 1831)
    • Synonyms: None
    • Taxonomy: (Ehrenberg, 1831) Protista, Ciliophora, Litostomatea, Oligoymenophorea, Trichodinidae, Trichodina spp.
    • Life Cycle: They have a simple direct lifecycle that utilizes binary fission for reproduction (Smith and Schwarz, 2009).
    • Description:
      2. Body saucer-shaped to low bonnet-shaped. Aboral ciliature with three ciliary girdles: first made of short, simple cilia, closely associated with border membrane; second a girdle strong, long locomotor pectinelles not separated by septum; third with tactile marginal cilia inserted inserted on border of velum. Chitinoid ring of attaching disc with radially arranged hooked teeth, each with outer flat blade, central cone, and inner ray. Buccal ciliary spiral making between one and two complete turns. Numerous species; many pathogenic. Usually on the gills, but in weakened fishes reproducinng rapidly and possibly covering the entire surface of the fish, often leading to death of the infested fish.
    • Sources: Hoffman, G.L. 1999. Parasites of North American Freshwater Fishes, Second Edition, p. 46.
      Stephen, S. and Schwarz, M. 2009. Dealing with Trichodina and Trichodina-like species. Viginia Tech.
    • APO Parasite Records: (by Life Cycle)
      1. Host SpeciesHost Common NameSite(s) of Infection
        Carassius auratusGoldfishSkin, intestinal tract, respiratory tract, urinary tract
        Pseudacris cruciferSpring peeperSkin, intestinal tract, respiratory tract, urinary tract
        Pseudacris regillaPacific chorus frogSkin, intestinal tract, respiratory tract, urinary tract
        Rana catesbeianaAmerican bullfrogSkin, intestinal tract, respiratory tract, urinary tract
        Taricha granulosaRough-skinned newtSkin, intestinal tract, respiratory tract, urinary tract
        Taricha torosaCalifornia newtSkin, intestinal tract, respiratory tract, urinary tract
  • University of Colorado Boulder