Should I Treat For Camallanus?

[Aphotic Phoenix]

There are two very fine red protrusions from the anus of one of my fish. Maybe at max 1.5 mm long and finer than thread...if I didn't spend a lot of time observing my fish everyday I wouldn't have even noticed! I've had this particular fish for about 5 months and it has always been healthy, and shows no other signs of illness currently. No other fish has displayed this, and there have been no mysterious deaths in my tank, and I've always been very careful not to get LFS water into my own tanks. I know that some foods can cause red feces, but the fish has had a bowel movements since I've noticed this and thus have ruled that out.

The only aspect that is throwing me is how tiny the protrusions are. I've researched Camallanus and from what I've read and seen from pictures these parasites are usually much larger and stick out farther than what I'm observing on my own fish. Obviously I don't want to risk treating the entire tank if there is no reason, but at the same time I don't want to risk parasites being spread to my other fish. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Musho3210]

it killed all my fish in my older tank. i had to start new. It came with my bolivian rams. I suggest you take out and euthanize.

 

[Aphotic Phoenix]

I suggest you take out and euthanize.

Athough I appreciate your advice, considering that the fish is still active, shows no other physical or behavior signs of illness, and eats well I think attempting treatment first would be a better choice. Also, since it takes about 3 months for these worms to appear, and I've had the fish several months before that I'm a bit concerned that it was not the original host and therefore IF this is indeed Camallanus treatment of the entire tank may be necessary.

 

[WILDER]

A red inflamed anus does point to internal parasites as we can get red bums with worms, but also on fish a red anus can be dropsy.

 

[Aphotic Phoenix]

Finally got enough time to find the "co-op" today to purchase some Levamisole Hydrochloride. Fairly pricey considering how much of it I'll actually end up using, but if it saves my favorite fish it's worth it. Cut out an approximate dose, and fed the fish some good "roughage" food to help them pass any paralyzed worms. I'll try to create a journal to let people know how the treatment worked.

 

[WILDER]

Yes it worth treating them for worms.
But sometimes the med can be to late as the worms have damaged the organs resulting in organ failure.
Good luck.