Abstract Channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), were immunized with Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) theronts and trophonts, and the immune response and host protection against both homologous and heterologous serotypes of Ich were evaluated. Immunizations were done with two immobilization serotypes (ARS4 and ARS6) of live theronts by bath immersion (trial I) and with sonicated trophonts by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection (trial II). Cutaneous and serum antibody titres against Ich following immunization were measured and survival of catfish was determined after theront challenge. Theronts were immobilized by the antiserum from fish immunized with homologous theronts or trophonts, but not by the serum of fish immunized with the heterologous serotype. Serum from fish immunized by immersion with live theronts showed higher enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay titres against both homologous and heterologous serotypes than fish immunized by i.p. injection of trophonts. Channel catfish immunized by immersion with live theronts or by i.p. injection with sonicated trophonts developed an immune response against Ich and provided cross-protection against challenge from both serotypes (ARS4 and ARS6) of the parasite. Sonicated trophont antigens in aqueous solution by i.p. injection could stimulate an immune response in fish, but the immunity was of short duration.