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The parasite that causes marine "Ich", Cryptocaryon irritans, must feed on bony fish in order to complete its life cycle. The reproductive phase can last up to 28 days (and in some cases up to 35 days) but at the end of this phase, the infective offspring have less than 48 hours to find a host to infect. If they don't, they starve to death. Invertebrates, including corals and anemones, cannot host the feeding stage.
Copper is effective for marine ("white") "Ich". It is generally not effective for black "Ich", which is caused by a type of flatworm. Formalin baths are more effective for the latter condition.
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ATJ
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