black spot

Definition: Black spot is a disease caused by the larvae of parasitic digenetic flukes, Cercaria and Metacercaria. This type of parasitic infestation is most common in wild caught fish and pond fish. Affected fish will have small black spots measuring about 2 millimeters in diameter, found anywhere on the fish's body and fins.

It is typical for African Cichlids, however, to have little black spots, especially around their mouths. These are scabs, which have resulted from digging in the gravel or from fighting, and should not be mistaken for black spot disease.