Common Parasitic Infections (Beyond Ich)

While White Spot (Ich) is the most famous parasite, several others can plague a freshwater aquarium. Early identification is key to saving your fish.

1. Velvet (Oodinium)

Often mistaken for Ich, but much more dangerous.

• Symptoms: A fine, gold or rust-colored ''dust'' on the skin. Fish may scratch and exhibit rapid gill movement.
• Test: Shine a flashlight on the fish in a dark room; the gold sheen will become visible.
• Treatment: Copper-based medications are most effective. Darkness is also helpful, as the parasite is partially photosynthetic.

2. Gill and Skin Flukes (Dactylogyrus & Gyrodactylus)

Microscopic flatworms that hook onto the fish.

• Symptoms: Rapid ''gasping'' for air at the surface, scratching, or one gill cover being stuck open/closed. Fish may look ''ragged.''
• Treatment: Medications containing Praziquantel (like Prazipro) are the gold standard and are generally safe for plants and invertebrates.

3. Internal Parasites / Hexamita

Common in Cichlids and Discus.

• Symptoms: Thread-like white stringy feces, sunken stomach (''wasting''), and listlessness. In advanced cases, ''Hole-in-the-Head'' lesions may appear.
• Treatment: Medicated food containing Metronidazole is the most effective way to get medicine into the fish's system.

4. Anchor Worms (Lernaea)

A large parasite easily seen with the naked eye.

• Symptoms: Crustacean-like parasites protruding from the fish's body, often leaving red, inflamed sores.
• Treatment: Often requires manual removal with tweezers (carefully!) followed by a medicated bath to prevent secondary infections.

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Treatment Summary Table

| Parasite | Key Medication | Safety Note | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Velvet | Copper / Formalin | Toxic to snails and shrimp! | | Flukes | Praziquantel | Very safe for most setups. | | Internal | Metronidazole | Most effective via food. | | Anchor Worms | Cyromazine / Dimilin | Prevents larval stages from molting. |

Always remember to remove carbon from your filter before adding any liquid medications.