Help Please -- Is This Anchor Worm?

[Darkarrow52]

I'm trying to get a 55 gallon community tank to go. I threw in some fairly large bait goldfish I got from a baitshop (yes, I know -- not the best of care), and I have left them in, and I'm planning on taking them out fairly soon. On 1 of these goldfish, I found something that looked like a fairly large parasite growing on its side. After a while, it cleared up, but then ALL of my goldfish had a similar problem.

In between the time there was only 1 large parasite and all of my goldfish breaking out, I threw in about 20 feeder guppies from my uncle's tank. They have been doing great so far, but then they started breaking out with something similar very recently. Prior to my notice of the guppies getting screwed up, I threw in 6 platies, 2 corys, 2 plecos, and 3 Chinese algae eaters. Just last night I noticed the parasites on most everything, and now I'm freaking out.


I did some research, and it looks like what is/was on my goldfish was anchor worm. Would this contract over to my guppies and other fish? I have plenty of non-iodized salt in to prevent Ick, so I haven't had any problem with that so far.. Today I bought some Ick/parasite medicine and put in the recommended dose, and I hope that MIGHT help.. But really, I'm not sure if I got the right stuff.



I figured that the salt would prevent any outbreaks, but it looks like that's not the case. Currently I have had zero deaths, and everything seems to be in good health other than the parasites. The goldfish have had these for quite a while now, and they don't seem to be bugged.. Will they eventually clear up with the medicine, or am I just screwed? As I said, I plan on taking the goldfish out into a different tank, so I have no idea if that will help (probably not).


If this is an Anchor Worm outbreak, will my fish be alright?

 

[Aphotic Phoenix]

Anchor worm is highly contagious and even if the adults are not visible the larvae can be lurking in the tank. Hence why they went away, and then suddenly reappeared. Dimilin is supposedly the best cure for anchor worm.

 

[Jabba]

Unfortunately there are many parasitic worms in the aquatic kingdom although not many that will stick out of a fish's side so it probably is, it could be fluke also but it is impossible to identify without an image though.

Have you checked the web for images of Anchor Worm?

If EXIT is based on Malachite Green it may work otherwise not sure, you need to treat with an antibacterial / antifungal though at the same time.

I think you would be better off with Waterlife Sterazin.

 

[Darkarrow52]

Hmm. Thanks for the suggestions. I'm fairly certain it's anchor worm, as the images on the internet look almost exactly the same.

The anti-parasite/ick medicine has Malachite Green -- as I said, I put in the normal dose. Hopefully this will clear up, but if not, I'll try some different medicines.



I'm still a bit concerned if I would be a bit late.