Cercarial infestation (Cercerial Infestation)

Symptoms

Raised bumps
Solid looking raised bumps are evident on the skin.

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.

Hiding abnormally
Fish hides behind rocks or suchlike, appearing seldom if ever.

Muscular atrophy
Muscles of fish show evident wasting away.

Causes

Cercariae which develop as a 2nd stage of digenetic trematodes. Transmitted by an intermediate host, usually snails. This is also the cause of 'Black Spot' disease.

Prognosis

Fatal is left untreated. Quarantining procedures can help to reduce infection. Keep tank or pond clear of all snails, so the life-cycle will be stopped.

Treatment

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Prevention

DNA and RNA diagnostic references.

Parasite identification, succession and infection pathways in
perch fry (Perca fluviatilis): new insights through a
combined morphological and genetic approach

From Parasitology
Jan 2013 by JASMINCA BEHRMANN)