Amyloodinium ocellatum (AO) is a globally distributed protist. This microorganism is the only species member of the genus Amyloodinium and affects various aquatic organisms in both brackish and full seawater environments. The lifecycle of AO is direct but triphasic, and if the environmental conditions are favorable, it can be completed in less than one week. Amyloodiniosis is a major threat to semiintensive aquaculture (lagoon and land-based farming) in the Mediterranean basin especially in warmer months with high mortality rates (up to 100%) and significant economic losses. Against this background, to mitigate amyloodiniosis, effective and licensed treatments do not exist, but copper sulfate is commonly used, being efficacious against dinospores.
