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Internal Parasites


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#1 madasa

madasa
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  • Joined: 12-January 07
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Posted 09 July 2007 - 06:33 AM

INTERNAL PARASITES
As fishkeepers / enthusiasts, we are all aware of the potential of disease endangering the wellbeing of our beloved fish, be they a small school of neon tetras to what is affectionately termed the ‘Tankbuster’. The whole topic of fish disease is huge and as such this will be an overview only of internal parasites and more research and reading is recommended by the author.
Parasites can be subclassed into two, those being ectoparasites which are located upon the surface of the fish, and endoparasites which are to be found within the internal organs and tissue. There are exceptions but endoparasites in small numbers are fairly normal and non threatening, however it is their ability to proliferate which is the danger, when their numbers become such as to affect the wellbeing of the fish.
Ectoparasites are mentioned briefly as there is a relationship between the two in that parasites on the surface of the fish causing disease, if severe and / or left untreated, (or treated late), can find their way into the internal system of the fish. This would result in septicaemia quickly followed by refractory organ failure and death.
We should also consider that there are those conditions which are infectious and those which are non infectious. It is up to you to discern between the two through research. Infectious fish means the whole tank should be treated – i.e. in cases of tuberculosis * It is the authors opinion that in both cases the diseased fish should be placed into a hospital tank to avoid further stress from fit fish intimidating the weakened individual.
*TB is contagious and can be acquired by humans through open cuts present.
What the parasite is which is causing your fish to ail is important in treating the individual, or whole tank in infectious cases. This can be performed using samples and placing them directly under a microscope. This is a useful practice and may save the lives of your other valued fish in infectious cases. However, clearly, by identifying in this manner it does mean your host affected fish would have expired.
There is little value here in going through the protozoans, etc due to lack of space permitted, however there are many bacteria, fungi, viruses and so on which are ‘out there’ which the reader can glean information about using the internet as a resource. What is of more use here is the symptoms and treatments available.
A sick fish will present as being lethargic, listless, flicking against rocks, +/- eating, that and/or other abhorrent behavior on their part. External signs might also be visible to the naked eye such as red spots, inflamed gills, fungus, gut swelling, clear stringy faeces, protruding worms from the anus and an inabality to hold their balance in the water. The last of those mentioned suggests swim bladder involvement but be warned it can also be caused by dry foods swelling quickly within the fishes intestine so observe for other symptoms before jumping to conclusions.
Poor tank husbandry or the introduction of sick fish are the main causes of fish disease.
Treatments are complicated and there are many medicines out there which are broad spectrum, which means they cover many (but not all) parasites - choose wisely and seek advice if unsure. There is also aquarium salt which can be very effective alongside an increase in the environmental temperature of the water, both of which I employ when I notice a possible problem, prior to isolating the sick fish. It is important to remember that when increasing temperature of the water so you are reducing the amount of oxygen within the water and should compensate accordingly.
In my personal experience there are two internal parasites which are the most common, those being septicaemia, (an infection within the circulatory system), by ?bacteria, ?viral ?fungus, and hexamita.
In the first example of septicaemia the fish may display red patches and have protruding scales. They will be listless and emaciated and might be either resting lethargically at the base of the tank with rapid gill movement, or be at the surface almost gasping. All of which are unusual behaviours. If they are sideways, upside down or pointing upwards then there is swim bladder involvement. If you can treat the septicaemia quickly and effectively then the swim bladder might rectify itself or you can retrain it.
The second example of hexamita once again involves a listless and lethargic fish, though an added symptom in this case is clear and stringy faeces. Metronidazole is the drug of choice here and is very effective for what is an infectious disease. Though I would still isolate the fish, as mentioned before, in infectious cases such as this the whole tank needs treating.
In conclusion;
• Observe your fish regularly, particularly at meal times, and, should illness be present or a death have occurred then an autopsy might save further heartache by indicating the parasite present and being able to research the appropriate medication.
• Always isolate sick fish.
• Always quarantine new fish for two weeks if able.
• Be selective and choose healthy specimens when acquiring new fish.
• Weekly tank husbandry and good filtration.




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