How is a cleaner shrimp (or wrasse) able to dislodge a parasite which burrows in under the epithelium (outer skin layer)?? A cleaner shrimp is useful for removing dead skin tissue and external growths such as Lymphocystis. Theoretically, a cleaner may also be able to remove some "surface parasites" such as velvet & brook if these do not embed too deeply - but I doubt to a point where it can save the life of a fish.
Added fish with Ich to DT
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How is a cleaner shrimp (or wrasse) able to dislodge a parasite which burrows in under the epithelium (outer skin layer)?? A cleaner shrimp is useful for removing dead skin tissue and external growths such as Lymphocystis. Theoretically, a cleaner may also be able to remove some "surface parasites" such as velvet & brook if these do not embed too deeply - but I doubt to a point where it can save the life of a fish.
About fish having ich in the ocean: Obviously, that's where all fish diseases originated from; although I don't think anyone agrees on what the infection rates are. However, you have to remember there are also about a gazillion gallons of water diluting those diseases from the fish. A healthy immune system can keep up with that. In our relatively small aquariums, fish are often overwhelmed by a much higher concentration of parasites, worms and harmful bacteria.
Here's another analogy to consider: Anyone getting bite up by mosquitoes is gonna go elsewhere. It's a natural tendency. So if a fish is being attacked by free swimming theronts, it's gonna relocate to an area where the concentration is lower or nonexistent. That's how a fish practices "ich management" in the ocean.
Where is the fish gonna go to run & hide in your tiny little aquarium, compared to the vastness of the ocean? 
Here's another analogy to consider: Anyone getting bite up by mosquitoes is gonna go elsewhere. It's a natural tendency. So if a fish is being attacked by free swimming theronts, it's gonna relocate to an area where the concentration is lower or nonexistent. That's how a fish practices "ich management" in the ocean.
Where is the fish gonna go to run & hide in your tiny little aquarium, compared to the vastness of the ocean? 
