Anchor worm treatment of gold fish and koi

Anchor worm infestation of fish in ponds lead to the dangerous and potentially lethal koi ulcer diseases occurring by allowing Aeromonas infection..

Fish infested with anchor worm tend to flash as they make efforts to removes the parasite.

A correct diagnosis normally needs more in-depth examination often using a microscope.

Lernea elegans is the latin name for anchor worm affecting Koi and goldfish.

Larger parasites like anchor worms can be seen with the naked eye.  The anchor worm buries itself into the flesh of the koi or goldfish and a threadlike appearance can be observed coming out of a scale.

Anchor worm can be up to 10 mm long and attach themselves to the infected fish by anchor- like hooks. They find their way into the fish's flesh by burrowing under a scale. This can lead to serious bacterial infections such as ulcers.

Anchor worm multiply rapidly and offspring are free swimming allowing them to search out fish to infect. The source of anchor worm is often a newly stocked koi or goldfish.. Treatment is by specialized chemicals such as Dimilin.

Dimilin powder works by sterilizing the adults and their offspring. It is used in very low concentrations.

Once the Dimilin has done its job the anchor worms will still be trailing from the fish and need to be carefully removed.

Always seek qualified help if unsure. Microscopic examination helps.

Please also check out this UK Pond Doctor site

What to do if you suspect disease problems

Test for Ammonia, Nitrite, and pH at a minimum, and preferably also test for Total Alkalinity and possibly Hardness.

Ammonias are lethal in their own right and worse at higher pH. If dead fish exist this will also create ammonia problem. pH can change overnight if the system loses its buffering capacity (this would show on a test of Total Alkalinity)

Aquarium Pharmaceuticals basic drop type test kits are most accurate according to experts. Review USA on-line pond supplies

In the case of Ammonia accumulation:

If water quality is suspect begin a systematic daily changing of 20-40% of the total volume in the system. But beware of major temperature changes in the system. A small addition of salt at .1% level will do no harm.

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