Anchor Worm?

Sukai

I don't know if thats what it is but its not good. I was watching my fish very closely today and the new female red velvet swordtail looked like she had a parasite on her left fin. I immediately took her out and tried a salt bath for about 10 minutes but it didn't come off. I am very uncomfortable about using salt in freshwater tanks (as you may have noticed in my previous post) She seemed really stressed so I put her in regular treated fresh water although in a bucket, away from my other fish. Whatever is on her is still attached and I don't think I added enough salt.

from http://freshaquarium.about.com/cs/tr...ltiinfresh.htm

Performing a Dip
When treating parasites, a dip is the method of choice. Place 4 teaspoons of salt in a clean bucket, then slowly add one gallon of water from the aquarium, swirling it to dissolve the salt. Once the salt is completely dissolved, place the fish in the bucket for five to thirty minutes. Observe the fish closely, and if it exhibits any signs of distress, return it to the original aquarium immediately.

Whatever it is, it is hanging from her left fin and is about 1-1.5cm long. It wasn't there when I got her at petco on Thursday. It looks like its round and translucent but it is really small. Help? How can I prevent it from spreading to the other fish?

I am also investing in a kiddie pool for the back yard. I cant trust anything to go in my tank or the pond we are building.

gm333

Its probably an anchor worm alright, take the fish out and use tweezers to take the worm off. Make sure you grab the worms as close the body of the fish as possible. Then just keep your eyes out for more if they appear.

Sukai

So pulling it out will remove it completely?

Thanks!

Jamie

Andyoybna

I agree with GM 100%, when I worked at petco, fish would often come in with anchor worms, and other external parasites, easiest thing to do was to take the fish up in your hand, and either scrape it off with your fingernail, or use tweezers. You may also want to add some extra salt in the water, or something to help with the small wound the "surgery" will leave.

Sukai

How much salt should I put in? I already have very hard water. I am kind of skeptical about using it but you guys know a lot more than I do.