Regards,
Bruce.
Bruce Hansen, ANGFA, caring for our aquatic ecosystems.
------------
> From: peter.unmack at ASU.Edu
> To: nanfa at aquaria.net
> Subject: Re: NANFA-- Anchorworm, Skin fluke or Leech?
> Date: Thursday, 30 April 1998 5:41
>
> On Wed, 29 Apr 1998, Mark Binkley wrote:
>
> > >Is any one familiar with the identity of this pest? Does anyone have a
definite
> > >remedy for this type of infestation? Do I need to medicate the WHOLE
tank or
> > >can these pests be dealt with on an individual basis? Is the remedy
easily
> > >acquired at the Pet Store?
>
> IF these are indeed anchor worms (Lernea sp) then you can get medication
> at the pet store. I know clout will treat it. I think 5ppt salt (it
> could be 10 I forget exactly) kills them too but that may be a bit high
> for many North American natives (it works great on Australian ones
> though). I'm sure if you do a search on the web for anchor worm and/or
> Lernea you will find pictues of them so you can tell if that is what you
> have.
>
> > I have found that if external parasites such as anchor worms and
leeches
> > are removed shortly after the fish are collected, there has been no
spread
> > of the pathogen.
>
> Typically that is correct.
>
> > Most of these type of parasites have complicated life
> > cycles, often involving an intermediate host(s).
>
> Anchor worms require no other hosts. They are actually copepods and they
> will rapidly reproduce and kill their hosts by their sheer numbers. You
> are right though about the black and white parasites you mention, they
> are nematodes or trematodes (or some kinda tode, I forget exactly).
> Normally you need two or even three hosts for them to complete their life
> cycle.
----------
Up here in Queensland we also have Cane-todes and they can be a real
problem with outside ponds ;-)
Apparently the Yanks have much the same types of parasites as we do in
their Native fishes. Some of the postings on the NANFA list have a lot in
common with our native fish-keepers here.
Regards,
Bruce.
Bruce Hansen, ANGFA, caring for our aquatic ecosystems.
Please visit us at http://www.ozemail.com.au/~fisher/angfa.htm