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FAQs on Parasitic Marine Worm Diseases:
Tapeworms/Cestodes
Related Articles: Marine
Parasitic
Disease, Parasitic Worms, Roundworms,
Related FAQs: Fish
Worm Diseases 1,
Marine Worm Parasites
2, Marine Worm Parasites 3, & FAQs on
Marine Worm Parasites: Diagnosis/Symptomology,
Etiology/Prevention,
Cures That Don't
Work, Cures That Do Work,
Products/Manufacturers...
Flukes/Trematodes,
Leeches/Hirudineans,
"Other" Worms and Worm-Like Parasites...
Paravortex/Black Spot Disease, Anthelminthics/Vermifuges... De-wormers
(Piperazine, Praziquantel...) &
FAQs,
Yellow Tang Disease, Parasitic
Disease 2, Parasitic Disease 3, Parasitic
Marine Tanks, Parasitic Reef Tanks,
Cryptocaryoniasis, Marine Ich,
Marine Velvet
Disease Biological
Cleaners,
Treating Parasitic Disease, Using
Hyposalinity to Treat Parasitic Disease, Roundworms, Yellow
Tangs, Tang Health/Disease,
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Parasitic worms
I need some help! My Hawaiian Dragon Eel stopped eating.
I notice that he has thin, tan worms all over his
body. The worms are about an inch in size. The part
that doesn’t hook into the eel ends in a point.
Please tell me what I can do to treat this. I know eels
are sensitive to many forms of treatment. He is a full size
eel. Thanks so much for any advice you can give. Kelly
<Mmm, need to have a definitive identification of these worms... to the
phylum level. I suspect they're flukes of some sort, and could be treated with
an organophosphate. I suggest a pH-adjusted freshwater dip (that will likely
result in a bunch "letting go" for microscopic exam.) at this point.
Be careful with netting the specimen and keep the dip tank covered and heavily
aerated during this procedure. The dip by itself will not effect a cure... as
the worms are likely of a type that have direct development and will still be
present in various stages in the main tank when/if you return the eel. Bob
Fenner>
Re: Parasitic worms
Hi Bob,
<Hi Kelly>
Thanks for your response. I did do the freshwater dip. It took 18
minutes for the leeches to let go. (not die, just let go). Yes, I did
say leeches. I took some of the specimens to an aquarium today. I
was
told that they were leeches.
<Easy to see with some magnification (and specimens!)>
Unfortunately, these leeches like to live
in the substrate. I had 200 pounds of sand and crushed coral in my
tank. Well, with some help, I actually removed all the substrate and
bought more live rock. The substrate is totally infected with these
leeches. Just looking at them makes my skin crawl. I am
treating the
substrate with Clout in a separate container.
<This should "do it">
There are no more of
these leeches visible in the tank. Although, he does have two of the
leeches on him. Compared to the hundred that were all over him
yesterday, I consider this a huge accomplishment. Once the eel settles
down and does not appear so stressed, I will try to pick off the two
remaining leeches. This has been a very long project, but is well
worth
the effort to save this beautiful eel.
<Yes>
We have a Titan trigger fish
with the eel. She was sick in the past and had to be quarantined. We
now think she was being infected by the leeches as well. Since last
night when we gave the eel a freshwater dip, the Titan has been
extremely protective of the eel. She lies right beside him. If
I am
working in the tank near to the eel, she goes completely ballistic. I
have to say a full size Titan trigger and full size Hawaiian dragon eel
are a nice match. Although, I would not add anything else with them.
Take care Bob.
Kelly
<Thank you for the progress report. Bob Fenner>
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Tape worms
Hello Guys;
In the past 1 1/2 weeks, my Purple Tang has passed 2 or 3 (2 1/2") long,
clear "worms' that are about the thickness of 1/64". Under
magnification,
they appear to have a half circle head (like a round head screw). At first I
was not concerned, but I noticed that during and after the last one was
passed, the tang was not behaving normally. It would repeatedly swim into
the flow of a power head then dive to the other end of the tank again and
again. I have had the fish for 3 years and it is very healthy, good color,
etc. I also noticed that its fins were not fully extended but not clamped
either. The two Ocellaris Clowns and the Orchid Dottyback look fine. I was
thinking of treating with garlic.
Your thoughts please?
<Wouldn't hurt... but don't promote its use as a treatment either>
I have 3 tanks and
like feeding frozen foods. Is there a way I can prevent the spreading of
parasites from tank to tank via my hand or the food i.e. will normal washing
between tanks work and should I cut the cube food into pieces or just rinse
it in cold water between tanks?
<Best not to "wet" the feeding gear or ones hands in-between
systems>
I do not want to transfer ick, worms, etc.
Is it safe to dip my hands into either Permanganate or formaldehyde
solutions?
Thank you,
Tim
<Not necessary or advisable to use these... one will stain, the other is a
biocide (kills all life). All considered, more important to do ones best on all
fronts per here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/mardisease.htm
and learn to not worry about these extreme aspects of vector control.
Bob Fenner>
Re: Tang Scratching Normal?
>Thanks for the reply Marina, after much searching I'm coming to the
conclusion that these spots were some type of nematode don't know if they were
what caused the demise. After looking at it a bit more I can see them causing
the scratching but they weren't around the gills or any critical portion of the
fish. Just sitting under the skin.
>>You're quite welcome, even though I'm sorry I have provided little/no
help. I did forward your email to some others (as noted), and I spent
a good 45 minutes this morning doing some searching, but everything I found
indicated that one would have some other external symptoms, not just the
creatures you observed subcutaneous. In one of the links I found,
they did note, however, that with trematodes (can't recollect which ones right
now) copper wouldn't garner results, I believe they did outline what would help,
though. I'd consider q/t'ing the others ASAP and
treating. Good luck! Marina
<Curiosity begs the question: have you any training (biology or medical,
perhaps) that has given you access/skills in performing a
post-mortem? The
vast majority of hobbyists don't have tools/equipment for such a procedure.>
Other than some biology classes years ago in college not really. I've
been
an avid fisherman and fish keeper most of my life so kinda know what's
supposed to be there and what's not. Post-mortem was done with some Exacto
knives and a 30x microscope from Radio Shack that I keep around to check out
small life forms in the tank.
Thanks
Paul
Re: Tang Scratching Normal?
>Hey again,
>>Good morning, Paul. As you see above, I'm sending this to some others on
"The Crew".
>Thanks for the info this is just an update not a very happy one but am on a
fact finding mission. Found the hippo this morning dead in his favorite hidey
hole.
>>That was a rather quick demise. What a shame.
>While performing an autopsy found small black worm like
organisms under his skin. There is no visible head or tail just a skinny worm
all coiled up. (can't get a picture as they are too small for naked eye) I know
this isn't much info for an ID but was just wondering if anyone would care to
make a guess on this. (am worried for the other fish in the tank.)
>>I would worry as well. I personally am not familiar at all with this,
clearly one would have to guess parasitic infection of some sort. I own one book
one fish diseases, not-so-handily stored away. I'm going to kick this to Bob (or
anyone else willing) and see what they think. I've never experienced anything
like this. Curiosity begs the question: have you any training (biology or
medical, perhaps) that has given you access/skills in performing a post-mortem?
The vast majority of hobbyists don't have tools/equipment for such a procedure.
>There were no external signs (other than scratching) before he
expired, eating, breathing, swimming normal.
>>Yes, I remember. This is, at this point, quite puzzling. I'm sorry, and
am also concerned for the rest of your residents. I'm going to suggest trying
some other sites as well, http://www.reefs.org (the archives, library, and
forums), http://www.thereeftank.com IIRC there are some folks with scientific
backgrounds who frequent these places. One gentleman by the nick of Galleon is
one such who comes to mind. (He knows me as Seamaiden should you find him.) I'm
in the process of searching via Google, I've found this initial link-->
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/parasiti.htm
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FA033 And some others that may (or may not be) helpful.
http://www.petlibrary.com/marinetrematodes.htm
http://www.wonbrothers.com/product/DrAqua/parasitic_diseases.htm
http://www.mysteries-megasite.com/main/bigsearch/parasites.html
Best of luck to you! Marina
>Thanks again, Paul
>P.S. There is a utility out on the web called REEFCON
http://www.infinitysoft.net/ReefCon/ that is GREAT for logging and keeping track
of your tank. It also has a very nice reference section with pictures and some
info on keeping for a ton of critters. Will also control X-10 equip if you have
it. I suggest this to all my friends who keep tanks as there is a free version
and the pro version ($19.00 for one version or $32 for current and all upgrades)
cheap in my book.
>>Thank you, we'll pass this on!
>>Folks, I am entirely unfamiliar with what this man has described in his
post-mortem on his Hippocampus. Anyone who has any ideas, or is familiar.
ANYTHING, please weigh in with your opinion. I'm having little luck finding
information on anything but the most common maladies one may experience with
their specimens. Could we be talking about monogenean trematodes (flukes) of
some sort?
Thanks, Marina<<
<A distinct possibility. Is there someone you can borrow a 30 or higher
microscope (dissection type preferably) to give you/us an idea of the gross
morphology of these worms? Bob Fenner>
Re: Tang Scratching Normal?
I may be able to go to the local Community College and borrow a microscope
for an hour or so, if not have some friends that work at a hospital and will
see if I can sneak in there with a sample. *grin* Will see about that in the
next few days and see if I can get a picture.
<Good. If you can, bring a single edged razorblade (or scalpel) to make a
cross section near the head end (a tri-radiate esophagus is indicative of
nematodes for instance)>
(have frozen the fish we'll
see how well the samples kept) All other fish in the tank still looking
good. Once again the dots look like a black ropey worm all coiled up in a
clear membrane. After opening the membrane the animal that comes out is
about 1-2mm long and looks kinda like a very skinny black earthworm.
Thanks
Paul
<Likely Cestodes (tapeworms), but we'll see. Bob Fenner>
Re: Tang Scratching Normal?
Hello again,
Well just got back some info from an instructor at the local CC where I sent
the sample with a friend. Good call Bob he said that it was some kind
of
tapeworm but didn't know the exact species and that he didn't think that
they would have caused the death of my fish.
<Maybe a contributor to some extent>
So I guess this is one of those
that I'm just going to have to chalk up to experience and make sure that the
wife doesn't buy me any more fish presents *grin*. Thanks for the
help must
say I'd have a lot harder time getting this tank started without your book
and the web site.
thanks again
Paul
<Glad to be of assistance>
P.S. Just got Anthony's book in the mail and am looking forward to studying
it so I can get planning on my coral to add to this tank and am waiting for
the new book to arrive.
<Know you will enjoy, benefit by them. Bob Fenner>
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- Wasting Disease -
<Hello, JasonC here...>
Hi crew, have a problem I haven't been able to find much on. Have a Sebae clown,
wild caught, about 4 years old; always been in perfect health.
Recently, I moved him to a larger tank, fish with some inverts, no anemones
(yet). About 2 weeks later he developed Popeye, one eye, which I successfully
treated with Epsom (thanks!). He still has a good appetite, even still has that
pearly iridescence around the white bands that fresh-caught clowns have, BUT, he
is beginning to lose mass; first, developing the typical pinched forehead, now
progressing rearward both above and below the lateral line; no other clowns in
the tank, other specimens unaffected. He eats and comes out less but is
otherwise still pretty normal. <So you do see the fish eating... it would
seem to me with the other occupants, this fish might be getting less that its
fill.> His offered diet hasn't changed, if anything is better because I am
feeding a large French and Atlantic blue tang, and very wary of HLLE, so they
eat better than I do. My past experience is that this guy is headed for
checkout, but its been a while, and if there is anything I can do I want to do
it, so, suggestions? <Well, isolation might help - make sure the fish is
eating well and without competition from the larger fish. Also, because this is
a wild fish, it is also more likely that it has an internal parasite (or two)
that are competing for the same nutrients, quite possibly nematodes or Cestodes
[tapeworms]. Both can be treated - you should be able to obtain Praziquantel
[for the Cestodes] and/or Fenbendazole [for the nematodes] from your local
veterinarian. I would work with one of these at a time, and administer in baths
for 2-3 hours. More information on these treatments can be found in the Edward
Noga book, Fish Disease, which while expensive is very complete... and an
eye-full.> Thanks, Steve J.
<Cheers, J -- >
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