quick question for clarification

[2000se]

I was reading about Brook and the life cycle and came across this statement...I am not sure what is meant by the term sentinel fish.. see below:

"In the invertebrate tank time is really the only guarantee of eradicating the parasite so we would recommend a quarantine period of 8-10 weeks or the use of a sentinel fish in the invert quarantine tank, which can then be treated in the fish quarantine tank should the need arise."

Can someone please explain the "sentinel fish" part please?

Many thanks!

 

[snorvich]

The statement is flawed. However they are saying leave one fish (like a canary in a mine) to see if it gets infected.

 

[2000se]

oooooo..I get it...Ok. makes sense to me now. many thanks for helping me understand this world ..

 

[krullshards]

oooooo..I get it...Ok. makes sense to me now. many thanks for helping me understand this world ..

You'll also see folks referring to them as "indicator" fish.