[2] The species creates foul-smelling, pus-filled abscesses in muscles and internal organs of aquarium fish.

Spironucleus salmonicida was chosen as a model due to its complex genome and ability to adapt to fluctuating environments.

By comparing these results with the closest model organism, Giardia intestinalis, researchers were able to see that the parasite has a more complex gene regulation system.

MROS identified in S. salmonicida contained similar protein import and Fe-S machinery as in Giardia mitosomes and the MROS contained enzyme characteristics similar to hydrogenosomes, thereby affirming that hydrogen production is prevalent in the genus Spironucleus.

[4] Jerlstrom-Hultqvist, J., Einarsson, E. & Svard, S. G. Stable transfection of the diplomonad parasite Spironucleus salmonicida.