Anchor worm diseases/ Lernaeosis

Quick Facts

Disease Name : Anchor worm diseases/ Lernaeosis

Causative Agent : Lernaea cyprinacea

Diagnostic Method : Wet mount under a light microscope

Symptoms

  • Scratching against objects by the affected fish
  • A protuberance of whitish-green threads from the fish’s skin/Whitish-green threads hang out of the fish's gills
  • Fish “flashing” or rubbing itself on the bottom or sides of aquarium
  • Lethargic, difficult to breath
  • Points of attachment are marked by inflammation,red and inflamed skin irritations

Host (Common sp.)

  • Gourami
  • Koicarp
  • Cichlids
  • Livebearer
  • Gold fish

Treatment Method

  • physically removing the parasite and cleaning the wound with an antiseptic like iodine
  • Potassium Permanganate dip at 100mg/ 2.5 gallons of water for 25 to 30 minutes
  • Formalin - 10 to 15 minute dip of 1 parts to 400 parts water
  • salt 1 to 2 tablespoons per 5 gallons of tank water and perform water changes every day for 1 week.
  • bathing in a seawater bath (35ppt) for about 5 minutes for multiple days