Micro mini - thread like worms on fish

[Giant]

Hi,

A couple of my tetras have these micro mini thread like "worms" on their body.

From a distance, they look like white spots or damaged scales, but on closer inspection, I can see these really fine white threads on their bodies.

Looked thru lorba's list of diseases, can't seem to find anything of that same description.

Have been trying to catch them, but it's proving too difficult for me.
Would like some advise as to how to treat them.

Really appreciate any help.

[benny]

Depending on size, the larger worms would be anchor worms. But if they are very small, then it's most likely to be flukes.

This is a macro picture of the flukes. Is this what you are talking about?



For a start, you can try a salt dip on the fishes if you can catch them out. Then you need to keep the water in your tank clean with more regular water changes for the time being.

Cheers,

[adrodema]

could be anchorworms bro..
you can get off the shelf treatments for those - I think Sera has a suitable one for that..

[JT]

Anchor worms/thread worms. I use to get a pincer n pluck out the worms(mini operation)....esp those which anchor itself to the fins...I will put the fishes seperately (quarantine) and remove the worms n add a bit of blue solution with O2 bubbling. Many had heal n recovered.
I guess those specialise medicated solution in LFS may work as well, but i never tried before.

[Giant]

Thanks for the advise.

Benny, you pixs are so damn macro, my eyes are not that powerful man.
Not sure if that's what they are, cos they are on the body rather than the fins. & they curl up a lot more, so hence look like white spots from a distance.

Will try the salt dips.
that is if I can catch them.
BTW, how do u do a salt dip?

Plan B (if I can't catch them) is to add more salt?

[JT]

Hi - Giant, I would strongly advise against usage of salt if yr fishes are tetras. Tetras are very sensative to salt...adding salt can kill them or wipe out the entire population...if u have to use, use with extra care!!!.
Salt dip is good for some other type of fishes, but tetra...I would say strickly no to salt.

[Giant]

Roger that JT.

Will see what treatment I can find off the shelf as earlier suggested & just pray it doesn't spread in the time being.

[michael lai]

Hi Giant,
Encountered a similar problem earlier with my rummy nose. I use Burfurlon or something like that. yellow packet. powder form. It cleared in about 2 weeks time. Will try to get the actual name for you.

[benny]

Are you refering to BeFuran?

Cheers,

[Giant]

Thanks guys.

I just got Sera mycopur from NA on thurs & applied it to the tank.
Plus managed to catch my tetra with the worst case & gave it an extra powerful dosage. Will have to monitor.

Will also keep a look out for that other medication.
Is it available at most places?

BTW, anyone know what's the cause of this?
So I can also find the source & kill it or at least try to prevent it from happening again.

[michael lai]

Hi,
Yup thats the name.Thanks benny,

[Giant]

Just an update, that Sera mycopur, looks like its working.

The infection on that tetra is not so bad now, it still looks kinda of skinny, but eat as normal.
Just hope its on the mend.