Lernaea (anchor worm) is a very common disease found in home aquariums. In this article we will show you what are the symptoms and treatment for this disease.
Lerneose is a disease caused by the anchor worm, whose main agent is Lernaea cyprinacea. It is a very common infection found in some species of fish.
What are the most common fish affected by this disease?
In fact, any of them can become prey, but Cyprinus carpio (Carp) and Goldfish are usually more susceptible to being affected by anchor worms. The infection is not considered fatal for all fish. However, the likelihood of smaller fish dying is much greater.
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But how do I know if my fish have this disease?
Fortunately, the anchor worm is very visible to the naked eye. They are parasites that penetrate deep into the body of the fish (mainly the dorsal fin and the tail). It will be easy to see the outside of the parasites adhering to the fish’s body.
Lernaea (Anchor Worm): Will the fish be prone to catch other bacteria?
Generally, these parasites will make a hole in the host’s body. Then they will stick their heads in. When you look closely, it looks like a thread stuck to the animal’s body. Now, with the hole created, this can cause severe inflammation in the fish’s body, and may attract other bacteria. This is the main reason why fish are sometimes prone to deadly ulcers.
In fact, the anchor worm female develops the eggs and it takes about 14 days to reach maturity. Once reproduction is finished, males die and parasitic females can swim freely in the aquarium in search of new hosts.
Lernaea (Anchor Worm): Symptoms
Most of the time the parasites feed on the host’s blood and gradually destroy the fish’s muscles. Fish tend to suffer a lot (and, unfortunately, are unable to get the message across). However, some symptoms can help you find out if your animals are suffering from this disease:
– Due to the continuous strokes of the parasites, the fish will be rubbing themselves against the walls of the aquarium, decorations or any other objects. They have this behavior to try to get rid of the parasites;
– You will see the fish stressed and agitated. They will not behave normally;
– Anchor worms are easily visible in fish; check if the animals have any kind of “thread” attached to the body;
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Lernaea (Anchor Worm): Is there any treatment?
Below, some tips that can help to treat and exterminate the aquarium’s anchor worm:
– Use forceps to remove the anchor worms. Do not leave the fish out of the water for more than 1 minute. If you are unable to remove all worms, place it back in the aquarium and perform the procedure again after 30 minutes. So, be careful when performing this process (be very patient and avoid cutting the parasite, always try to pull it out completely). After removing the parasites, a salt water bath is recommended. If you do not use a preventive method, the open wound will allow other bacteria to settle and cause other problems.
– The salt bath should be done in a separate container that can receive the fish for a few minutes. Basically, use 15 to 20 milligram of salt for each liter of water. Place the animal for 10 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the fish and the state of health it is in. If they are small or weak fish, they should be exposed to brackish water for a maximum of ten minutes.
– Only use approved products, medications indicated by your veterinarian, in order to prevent the appearance of other fungi in the lesions left on the animal’s body. These medications should always be used at night or during periods of less light.
– The increase in temperature can also help in the process of exterminating the parasite in the aquarium. Aquariums in which the water is around 28 ° C stimulate the development of the cysts, use an appropriate medication to exterminate them.
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These worms usually come into contact with the fish when we introduce a new plant in the aquarium that already had the parasite or when we add a new infected fish. So, always treat plants and fish before adding them to the aquarium. Leave the fish in quarantine for up to 2 weeks before adding the fish to the aquarium.
At least, i hope this article can help you identify this disease in the fish in your aquarium. What do you think? Leave your comment and your experience!
Bibliographic References
Baur, O. 1962. Parasites of Freshwater Fish and the Biological Basis for thier Control. Bulletin of the State Scientific Research Institute of Lake and River Fisheries, XLIX: 108-112. Gomes, S.. O aquário de água doce sem mistérios, São Paulo.
