Aquarium, Fish Parasites, Worms

[Carl]

We have done a very large update of this second most read Aquarium Answers article:
Aquarium, Fish Parasites, Worms; Planaria, Nematodes, Detritus, Anchor

A new picture was added, more information, resources, and considerable changes to the article layout

Please give it a read

Carl

[Carl]

I updated the Aquarium/Pond Answers article about Fish Parasites

Here is a snip from the article:
"Medicated 30 minute baths using Methylene Blue, Aquarium Salts, as well as the antibiotics such as Metronidazole or Nitrofurazone at double normal recommended tank strength; This will aid in absorption of medications and osmoregulation that is VERY important, especially with internal parasite infestations which are difficult to treat even with strong medications.
The Methylene Blue will be absorbed and aid in oxygen delivery although it is only mildly effective against the parasites, Methylene Blue aids in the fish’ general health.

A good follow up treatment as well as preventative which also improves fish immune resistance via improved Redox Balance would be an AAP Medicated Wonder Shell.

If a medicated fish food soak is being used, the Medicated Wonder Shell would also be useful as an in-tank treatment to fight infection and improve fish immunity. "

Reference:
www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/03/trematodes-and-nematodes-in-fish.html

Carl

[Carl]

I have updated the Aquarium/Pond Answers Parasite article once again.
This includes more content updates and a new picture in the Nematodes section



Reference:
www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/03/trematodes-and-nematodes-in-fish.html

Carl

[Carl]

I have updated the Aquarium/Pond Answers article about fish parasites (worms)

Here is an excerpt:
"TREATMENTS for Internal Trematodes and Nematodes:

Before you treat, I suggest reading this article also from the "Aquarium/Pond Answers library:
Fish Diseases | How to Treat Sick Fish

The above article is very helpful in that often even milder mediations are much more effective when ALL PARAMETERS are spot on.
In particular, I have seen the relatively mild Metronidazole/Praziquantel combination work well for Camallanus worms when parameter are spot on (this includes a balanced Redox by keeping oxidative stress as low as possible) and not work at all when these are not.
This why we need to be careful with anecdotal advice when it comes to statements that "Metronidazole/Praziquantel will not work", as when we dig deeper as per my long time experience with fish treatments, we will often find that there is a reason the treatment failed, and it was not the medication."

Reference:
www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/03/trematodes-and-nematodes-in-fish.html

Carl

[Carl]

I have once more updated this article from "Aquarium/Pond Answers" dealing with fish worm parasites

Here is an excerpt:
"*Metronidazole is a mild treatment parasitic worm treatment that is most effective for single cell parasites such as flagellates (examples include Giardia), but it can be even more effective when combined with SeaChem ParaGuard in tank and/or then used as a medicated food soak combined with Praziquantel (do not use ParaGaurd as part of the fish food soak).
The use of Metronidazole has the added benefit in that it is effective for anaerobic internal infections, common to the gut.

*Praziquantel; this product works in part by paralyzing the parasites, thus allowing the host to more easily shed the parasite both internally and externally.
Generally only one treatment is needed (if fed, two to three times in one day), although re-treatment 5-7 days days later of a product containing Praziquantel is required.
Praziquantel along with Metronidazole are a couple of the safer medications you can use for your fish to treat parasites, both internal & external (& more effective when combined).

*AAP General Cure
General Cure (which contains Praziquantel, Metronidazole) can be used as a medicated fish food soak for internal parasites.
Jungle/Tetra Parasite Guard is similar (it contains Praziquantel, Metronidazole, Acriflavin, Diflubenzuron).
Of the two, General Cure is the better choice since Acriflavin & Diflubenzuron are intended only for external parasites (of which this is the better product for external parasites/worms).

General Cure can be used as a medicated fish food soak by using 1/2 a packet for an average 60 gallon bio load medicated fish preparation. Fish food should be soaked for 15 minutes. After soak, pour entire contents into aquarium

*Levamisol Once one of the more popular treatments for nematodes, but increasingly harder to find due to many safety concerns (which includes the fact it is much more dangerous than others listed here when over dosed and can cause serious liver and blood issues).
Most commonly available as Levamisol HCL which is slightly diluted of the active ingredient of Levimisol.

Treat with Levimisol once followed by a water change and treatment in 3-7 days. Treat a third time after 1-2 weeks following the second treatment.
Be careful, as Levamisol can kill many worms quickly, which with most internal nemtode infections is not an issue since they are not generally widespread. HOWEVER with use for widespread worm infestations, this can be a problem which is why this should NEVER be used to kill Detritus Worms (often misidentified as Planaria)

*Fenbendazole; Commonly sold as a dog de-wormer and has a wide range of internal worms it will kill. It works by interrupting the parasites’ cellular transport and metabolism.
Fenbendazole can be mixed with fish foods, but often flavor enhancers such as AAP Garlic Guard are needed to hide this medication so that fish will accept the food "spiked" with Fenbendazole.
Do not combine with Praziquantel

Do not use if your fish has any bleeding issues, as Fenbendazole can inhibit red blood cell production"

Reference:
www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/03/trematodes-and-nematodes-in-fish.html

Carl

[amandafishues]

Jun 12, 2013 19:12:24 GMT -5 Carl said:

We have done a very large update of this second most read Aquarium Answers article:
Aquarium, Fish Parasites, Worms; Planaria, Nematodes, Detritus, Anchor

A new picture was added, more information, resources, and considerable changes to the article layout

Please give it a read

Carl

Hey Carl, awesome update!

[Carl]

I have further updated the Fish Nematodes/Trematodes Internal Parasites article

Here is an excerpt from the basic identification section:
"Readers should note that ALL these parasites are INTRODUCED, whether by a fish directly or by an intermediate host such as a snail.
If you have had a certain fish for over a year, with no additions or possible intermediate hosts in the last six months, chances are you do not have one of these worms infestations listed. So always look for identifiable evidence of actual worms, and lacking these, utilize all circumstantial evidence to confirm otherwise, including the chances of introduction.
Otherwise, follow any circumstantial evidence that may be pointing to other copycat symptoms which may include internal Aeromonas infections, Ichthyophonus, osmoregulation issues, simple aging/genetics/earlier life trauma that injured internal organs, or quite often poor diet which can cause eventual liver & kidney damage as well as making a fish more susceptible to intestinal Aeromonas infections (which can present in feces like parasitic infections).
The bottom line without introduction in the last few months; what many might think is an internal parasite problem is very likely not and is a much more common Aeromonas bacterial infection (which is all around from the soil to your substrate and does not need introduction into the aquarium) or also quite possible, with the plethora of well marketed fish foods with poor energy levels and poor fiber contents, a nutritional issue."

Reference:
www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/03/trematodes-and-nematodes-in-fish.html

Carl

[devonjohnsgard]

Sept 5, 2017 9:49:25 GMT -5 Carl said:

I have further updated the Fish Nematodes/Trematodes Internal Parasites article

Here is an excerpt from the basic identification section:
"Readers should note that ALL these parasites are INTRODUCED, whether by a fish directly or by an intermediate host such as a snail.
If you have had a certain fish for over a year, with no additions or possible intermediate hosts in the last six months, chances are you do not have one of these worms infestations listed. So always look for identifiable evidence of actual worms, and lacking these, utilize all circumstantial evidence to confirm otherwise, including the chances of introduction.
Otherwise, follow any circumstantial evidence that may be pointing to other copycat symptoms which may include internal Aeromonas infections, Ichthyophonus, osmoregulation issues, simple aging/genetics/earlier life trauma that injured internal organs, or quite often poor diet which can cause eventual liver & kidney damage as well as making a fish more susceptible to intestinal Aeromonas infections (which can present in feces like parasitic infections).
The bottom line without introduction in the last few months; what many might think is an internal parasite problem is very likely not and is a much more common Aeromonas bacterial infection (which is all around from the soil to your substrate and does not need introduction into the aquarium) or also quite possible, with the plethora of well marketed fish foods with poor energy levels and poor fiber contents, a nutritional issue."

Reference:
www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/03/trematodes-and-nematodes-in-fish.html

Carl

This was an important distinction for me. There has to be a recent introduction, otherwise it's bacterial. I didn't realize this.

[Carl]

I've once again updated this popular "Aquarium/Pond Answers" article about fish parasites

Here is an excerpt:
"Levamisol Once one of the more popular treatments for nematodes, but increasingly harder to find due to many safety concerns which includes the fact it is much more dangerous than others listed here when over dosed or even used normally as it can cause serious liver and blood issues. Even in doses needed to treat internal worms, "Neutropenia" may result which then results in the fish being more susceptible to bacterial infections.
Personally I would avoid Levamisol and save it as a treatment as a last resort due to the problems it can cause with the fish immune system, especially if over dosed accidentally. When used correctly and optimum water conditions, the formula in "General Cure" while not as strong, is immensely safer

Most commonly available as Levamisol HCL which is slightly diluted of the active ingredient of Levimisol.

See this article for use and cautions:
Aquatic Medications #3; chemical and parasite treatments

Treat with Levimisol once followed by a water change and treatment in 3-7 days. Treat a third time after 1-2 weeks following the second treatment.
Be careful, as Levamisol can kill many worms quickly, which with most internal nemtode infections is not an issue since they are not generally widespread. HOWEVER with use for widespread worm infestations, this can be a problem which is why this should NEVER be used to kill Detritus Worms (often misidentified as Planaria)"



Carl