Velvet (Oodinium)
Identifying Velvet:
These parasites probably evolved from algae. It attacks the skin, gills and intestines of fish. Skin infections are characterised by a velvet texture that may show yellowish to a yellow/brownish colour. The skin may peel of in pieces during heavy infestations. Fish may breath heavily due to gill infestations.
Velvet appears like clusters of grapes under the microscope.
Diagnosing the symptoms in Koi:
- Can cause hemorrhaging and complete destruction of the skin hence killing the fish eventually.
- It looks as if the damaged infected fins have split ends or were bumped against rock.
- The skin between the fin rays are eroded and the fish also lose scales continuously.
Treatment against Velvet:
Contact a Koi Health Specialist for assistance urgently
