Funny Looking Male Guppy

[Scott_T_27]

Hi can someone help me please...

One of my male guppies has what I can only describe as red spikes about the thickness of a hair sticking out of his anus by the looks. I can see 2 one is about 2mm long and the other about 3-4mm long. Have only had him about 2 weeks and the other male I got with him doesn't seem to have these but he has had these since the day I got him?
One of them just seems to have gotten longer today?
Is this normal or could this be a parasite? It doesn't seem to move like a worm or anything just looks like spikes!
I tried to take a photo to attach to post but he won't stay still long enough to get a clear enough photo.

I'd appreciate any advice anyone can give and will try and get a clear photo to post tomorrow.

Thanks in advance
Scott

 

[RossC]

Here's what I've found on another thread, won't let me link it sorry:

the red "spikes" protruding from the anal pore of the fish are called camallanus worms and are a nasty parasite that suck the blood from the host fish. When they protrude from the anus like that they usually are depositing eggs into the water. Very hard to get rid of. You will have to use a dewormer and make several water changes over a course of 6 months just to get rid of camallanus worms. there is also a anti parasite fish food that many pet stores carry that seems to work but the fish don't care for it too much but it works. you still will have to vacume the gravel alot with the food treatment or dewormer. To get the dewormer you need to go to a vet and have them pre messure 3cc liquid fenbendazole (panacur) for a 2 day course. soak frozen bloodworms in the medication and feed every 12 hours for 2 days (4 feedings), then repeat in 14 days.

 

[Scott_T_27]

Thanks

Not really what I wanted to hear but at least now I can deal with it!
Thanks I'll try and get it sorted this weekend

 

[RossC]

Yeah I'm sorry its bad news but it's always better to find out as soon as possible, good luck

 

[WILDER]

Your fish have camallanus worms.
Sera nematol.
Get you some information.

Sera Nematol.

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.


fish-disease.net

 

[Scott_T_27]

Wow thanks for the info wilder that is brilliant!

Have been doing some research today and had come to the conclusion it was that, darn worms! I was hoping it wasn't but at least now I can treat it. This explains why I have unexplainedly lost some fish since the addition of the guppies.

Can I purchase the treatment you have suggested locally would you know? Do I need to use all the treatmens you have listed or just one of them? Want to get the treatment started ASAP.
After looking on some other advice sites people have suggested Arvitrol plus wormer, although this is a bird treatment. I have been told you can add the tablets to the tank as the medication is the same. What are your thoughts on this?

Many thanks
Scott

 

[Scott_T_27]

Just ordered some sera nematol. Should be here on Monday
Let's hope that solves my problem!

Thanks again wilder

 

[WILDER]

The medications mentioned in the article I left on camallanus worms are only available in the United States.

Glad you have ordered the Sera Nematol medication.
Once you finished the medication course. Preform a water change, and run some new black carbon in your filter.
Two days later you will need to remove black carbon from filter and add internal bacteria med by interpet.
3 to 4 weeks later I would than suggest redosing the Sera Nematol med again,. To make sure the internal parasite has been totally eradicated.

A good sign the medication has worked is the fish will start to gain weight.
Also keep a look out for when the fish go to the toilet.

Good Luck.

 

[WILDER]

Arvitrol plus wormer.
Never heard of the medication i'm afraid. It depends on which internal parasites the medication covers.
You can use a pig wormer called levaimsole, but it hard to get hold of in the UK. Usually it has to be prescribed by a vet.

The Sera Nematol med does treat camallanus worms. Other member have used the medication and had good results.