Callamanus

[Bebobb]

Hey, I have a German Gold Ram I got 3 days ago and is in a tank with 6 neon tetras I have had before him and I posted something in the New Worl Cichlid forum stating that I say "blood worms" comming out of his vent. Someone suggested callamanus, but I have only seen the worms after he has bee fed blood worms. I will stop the blood worms and see if I see any of the callamanus comming from his vent. I have no access to any of the known killers of this parasite. I need something that can be found in a medicine over the counter in the US. PLEASE help me.

EDIT: I have read that garlic extract helps with this diesease. Are they talking about the supplement pill that is taken for a healthy heart? I have some of that in me medicine cabinet. It seems kind of unsafe to add to the tank, will it be okay to add some of this to the tank. If so, how will I add it ie- dissolve it in water then soak their food in it. Just put it in the filter. HOw would I use it and how mgs of it should I use. BTW they are gell caps.

 

[WILDER]

Camallanus



Symptoms:

When the fish is stationary, deep red worms can be seen protruding from the anal pore. They are only visible when the fish is still because the worms retreat into the intestine at the fish’s slightest movement. Other signs may include an inflamed and enlarged anus. In severe infestations, the fish may become emaciated and spinal curvature may also occur.



Cause:

The parasitic worms Camallanus Cotti and Camallanus lacustris. These small, livebearing parasitic worms attach to the intestinal walls and rectum with pinchers. The worm’s grip is so tight that any attempts to remove it forcibly will rip away tissue from the intestinal wall. The worm’s pinching causes ischemia (reduced blood flow) to that part of the intestine. In time, the tissue to that part of the intestine will die, at which time the worm will migrate to another part of the intestine. This causes perforations throughout the intestine, which allows other pathogens to gain entry. If the fish is not treated, either the parasite or bacterial will kill the fish. Camallanus infestations occur most often in livebearing fish such as Guppies and Mollies, though infection is possible in all fish. Camallanus infestations are contagious. All fish, including those not yet showing visible symptoms, as well as the aquarium, should be treated.



Treatment:

Treat with Internal Parasite Guard, Pipzine, Disco-Worm, Trichlorfon or Fluke-Tabs as well as a medicated food to prevent a bacterial infection.

 

[Bebobb]

Well, when he moved, the "worm" was still there. I am now convinced that it was just his feces. I have not seen any of the "worms" since I fed him the blood worms. Last night I poped 4 gel caps of the garlic and mixed his food with it. I fed him the leftovers of last nights dinner for breakfast. I am so happy that when he moved that the "worm" was still there. Thank you so much for that tad bit of information that I did not know.

 

[WILDER]

Ok.
Just keep a close eye on anus and when he goes to the toilet.

 

[Bebobb]

Okay, thank you very much.