Anchor worms (<i>Lernea</i>)

Symptoms

Visible crustaceans
It is easily possible to see the small "crab-like" parasites on the body.

Streamers
Long banner-like white "streamers" flow out from body.

Rubbing/scratching
Fish constantly rubs or scratches itself against any object available.

Ulcers - circular
Ulcer with circular shape.

Abdomen sunken
The lower part of the fish's body is hollow and wasted.

Growth poor
Parasite infested fish show very slow or no growth, as parasite is taking the food.

Muscular atrophy
Muscles of fish show evident wasting away.

Parasitic copepod. viz. Lernea sp. Affects goldfish, carps, eels and in aquaria cichlids. It causes mortalities mainly during the hot season.

Can be eliminated with correct diagnosis and treatment.

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Dr. Chacko, Jim
Unity College of Maine
Fish Patholgy Dept.
Me USA