External Arthropod Parasite Fish Diseases

Anchor Worm

This parasite is extremely rare in aquarium fish, and despite its name, it’s not a worm. It’s a copepod, and it’s easy to spot.

Named “anchor,” because they’ll get deep into your fish’s body (commonly in the tail or dorsal fin). This damage weakens your fish – opening it up for new diseases or secondary bacterial infections.

Physical Signs

• Redness around the anchor point
• Ulcers can appear
• Inflammation on its body
• Tiny white-green or red worms found at the base of fins

Behavioral Signs

• Difficulties breathing
• General lethargy
• Rubbing (flashing) against objects

Potential Causes

It’s caused by adding fish into your aquarium which is already carrying the parasite or plants that have larvae on them.

Possible Treatments

Potassium permanganate is considered the best treatment, and it can be used as a tank treatment or dip.

Other options include formalin dip, salt dip, and modern antiparasitics.

Removing the parasite with tweezers is one of the surest ways to get rid of it. You’ll need to take care when doing this.

Make sure you don’t break the tail off; leaving the head inside. Dip the fish back into the water every few seconds so it can breathe.

If the parasite has burrowed deep into your fish this may not be a good idea. Pulling it out could cause more trauma than leaving it in and treating it.

Author – modestfish