Epistylididae Ectoparasites in a Colony of African Clawed Frogs (Xenopus laevis)

This report describes the discovery and treatment of a multiagent infection in a captive colony of adult, female Xenopus laevis. Animals were determined to be infected with Saprolegnia sp, a relatively common fungal parasite in laboratory-housed frogs, and a less common ectoparasite, Epistylis sp, that had been described only once before in frogs. We discuss the diagnosis, pathology, and treatment of Epistylis and the importance of water-quality monitoring and husbandry in the care of these research animals.