Invertebrate Medicine

Corals have a rich endolithic community, and together, they are known as the coral holobiont.

“Corals have a rich endolithic community, and together, they are known as the coral holobiont [1,10,11].”

Aquatic animal medicine, specifically that of invertebrates and fish, is in its infancy; medical resources are limited, and knowledge of drug pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action, and dosing are not well established.

“Compared to companion animal medicine, aquatic animal medicine-specifically that of invertebrates and fish-is in its infancy.Medical resources for these types of animals are limited, and although therapeutic options are available, knowledge of drug pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action, and dosing are still not well established [1,6].”

The presence of the Philaster ciliate has been associated with Brown Jelly Syndrome.

“the presence of the Philaster ciliate has been associated with the condition [1,2].”

Bacterial, fungal, or ciliate overgrowth as a cause of coral illness can be diagnosed via a simple skin scrape of tissue and microscopic analysis.

“Bacterial, fungal, or ciliate overgrowth as a cause of coral illness can be diagnosed via a simple skin scrape of tissue and microscopic analysis [1,10].”

Corals are sessile organisms that rely on water flow to bring them dissolved nutrients and gasses and carry away by-products of digestion and respiration.

“Corals are sessile organisms that rely on water flow to bring them dissolved nutrients and gasses and carry away by-products of digestion and respiration [1,2].”