ANCHOR WORMS
Major Sick Fish Diseases:
Much has been written on the subject of stress & sickness, below is outline to assist guide you throughout Anchor Worms hindrance and identification. Please be at liberty to send any comments or suggestions to raise associate degree professional.
Anchor Worms General Description:
This is a parasite that's extraordinarily rare in storage tank fish. it's a copepod crustacean. It should be brought in by associate degree troubled fish. it's sometimes found in ponds. the pinnacle of the worm is anchored into the fish's skin.
Anchor worms were extremely contagious which they're not really worms, however a fresh copepod crustacean. solely the feminine can attach itself to the fish, beneath a scale sometimes deep into the muscle tissue with its powerful extensions on the edges of its anchor formed head (hence the name anchor worm). The male lernaea can then attach himself to the female�s body. the feminine can turn out egg sacs impregnated by the male, that area unit then free into the water column. The eggs hatch into a free swimming larvae or nauplii. this can be the stage wherever the crustacean can attach to the fish finishing the life cycle. when cathartic the eggs, the oldsters can die out effort a agape wound, that is very vulnerable to secondary infections.
Anchor Worms Treatments:
Potassium permanganate dip at 100mg/2.5 gallons of water, or
Salt dip
Formalin dip at two to four cc solution/2.5 gallons of water for half-hour, the fish might lose equilibrium and should now be transferred to wash, H2O
Modern antiparasitics (such as Disco-worm, Fluke tabs, and Clout) might facilitate
Salt within the storage tank at one to two tablespoons might facilitate stop secondary infections
The best treatment is to get rid of them by hand and quarantine the tank. you'll need to do the subsequent many times. Tweezers work well for removing the anchor worms, try and grip them as near the wound as attainable. Pperiodically dunk the fish into the bucket of water to let him get many breaths before continued. when removing as several as you'll be able to see, use stress coat and pray.
Anchor Worms Prevention:
Really the sole thanks to get this can be to bring it in from away, native Fish Stores that area unit infected. make sure to quarantine all new fish and ne'er risk your established tank fish! additionally bear in mind to use any and every one precautions necessary to guard you and your suspect friends once operating with harmful chemicals.
