Wasserpest
Fish Fanatic
This Metron stuff was what they had available and it lists anchor worms on the label, so I am full of hope...
Sick Pearl Gouramies
- Thread starter Wasserpest
- Start date
Wasserpest
Fish Fanatic
So today I will be adding the second and final dose of Metronidazole. I haven't seen much change at all... I tried to net them Gouramies out of the tank while it was dark and they should have been sleeping 
but didn't manage to catch them (heavily planted 100 gal tank 
So how does that work... is the medication killing the juvenile stages of learneas, and the adults stuck to the fish will just die when they get old?? Or are they supposed to be affected too? Or do I really really have to pull them out?
What makes me wonder is that I have some daphnias in there that should have died quickly I suppose... but they didn't.
but didn't manage to catch them (heavily planted 100 gal tank So how does that work... is the medication killing the juvenile stages of learneas, and the adults stuck to the fish will just die when they get old?? Or are they supposed to be affected too? Or do I really really have to pull them out?
What makes me wonder is that I have some daphnias in there that should have died quickly I suppose... but they didn't.
Mogo
Fishaholic
I would guess only certain life stages are being killed by the metron. I would remove the adults if I were you. You'll have to make sure to get a good grip on the head of the worm to make sure it is fully removed. As long as there are adults around, they will keep producing more offspring. The life cycle is quite long for these things, with several life stages, so it could take a couple months before your free and clear. If new adults start to appear, it's likely that the metron is only killing off certain life stages, or none at all. You might consider treating with something else at that point. Just watch out for signs of gill damage in the meantime.
Wasserpest
Fish Fanatic
Mogo thanks for all your help! Last night I fished them out of the tank and removed a total of 4 of those suckers. I was fairly proud, but now looking at the Gouramies it seems like there might be more attached right on the top of the back, behind the dorsal fin. Not sure yet if they are anchor worms, or if it is some other infection, caused by worms trying to get a hold.
After the Metron I will try something called Anti-Fluke, cheap stuff, hope that something will eventually work. Tired of medicating the tank instead of enjoying it
Amazing that no fish has died yet, only my lonely ghost shrimp didn't survive the medications.
After the Metron I will try something called Anti-Fluke, cheap stuff, hope that something will eventually work. Tired of medicating the tank instead of enjoying it
Amazing that no fish has died yet, only my lonely ghost shrimp didn't survive the medications.Mogo
Fishaholic
It is recommended to take inverts out when using most meds as they are not very tolerant to them.
I'm glad to hear that the removal of the critters went well. The new ones you are seeing could be male anchor worms, as they look a little different from the females, not having the Y shape (the females look like this because of the egg sacks) or sexually immature females or as you said, could be some kind of secondary infection. Keep a close eye on the sites of removal to make sure your fish are not getting infections from bacteria or fungus on the new open wounds.
It's going to be a few weeks before you can be safe that you have erradicated the darn things, but then you'll be able to get back to the whole enjoyment thing again.
Keep posting your progress.
I'm glad to hear that the removal of the critters went well. The new ones you are seeing could be male anchor worms, as they look a little different from the females, not having the Y shape (the females look like this because of the egg sacks) or sexually immature females or as you said, could be some kind of secondary infection. Keep a close eye on the sites of removal to make sure your fish are not getting infections from bacteria or fungus on the new open wounds.
It's going to be a few weeks before you can be safe that you have erradicated the darn things, but then you'll be able to get back to the whole enjoyment thing again.
Keep posting your progress.Wasserpest
Fish Fanatic
Well all I can say is that Anchor Worms are a PITA...
A few days ago I removed another 3 or 4, and last night I spotted one female on my female Gourami's gill, and I removed it too. Poor pearls, getting all jumpy when they see me
After the metronidazole treatment I tried Anti-Fluke... after all those medications I can't say if they are any useful in killing the juvenile stages, definitely don't harm the adults.
I will discontinue chemicals for a while and have a close watch for any other adult lerneas (especially females). If they don't stop appearing, I will try coppersafe which stays in the water for an extended time, and finally the last hope, clout. Hopefully this wont be necessary though.
The gouramies do look much happier than before, and the false SAE has stopped throwing himself against rocks, one of the Otos is even full of eggs
Thanks for the help!
A few days ago I removed another 3 or 4, and last night I spotted one female on my female Gourami's gill, and I removed it too. Poor pearls, getting all jumpy when they see me
After the metronidazole treatment I tried Anti-Fluke... after all those medications I can't say if they are any useful in killing the juvenile stages, definitely don't harm the adults.
I will discontinue chemicals for a while and have a close watch for any other adult lerneas (especially females). If they don't stop appearing, I will try coppersafe which stays in the water for an extended time, and finally the last hope, clout. Hopefully this wont be necessary though.
The gouramies do look much happier than before, and the false SAE has stopped throwing himself against rocks, one of the Otos is even full of eggs
Thanks for the help!
Hey Guys.....realise your advice was a while ago however did any of the treatment suggested work
? I bought four fish only a week ago and have found two tonight with these lovely worms.....the thought of surgery via tweezers on a fish....not appealing!!!!!!! Are any of the treatments that did work available in the UK Would appreciate any help. 
? I bought four fish only a week ago and have found two tonight with these lovely worms.....the thought of surgery via tweezers on a fish....not appealing!!!!!!! Are any of the treatments that did work available in the UK Would appreciate any help. I heard many opinion about Melafix, from "It's a miracle" and "That's all I need" to "Totally non-sense, stinks up your water and makes you believe it works".
For now, I am trying to find out what the problem is before madicating
Let's see if this works better:
http/www.pbase.com/image/19353035
http
Ha ha ha!!!! Melafix! A salesperson at the local PetStore suggested that one for me. What a joke. I did the initial treatment for my blue paradise. It looked it it got a teeny bit better, then came back even worse (and now my tank smelled like stinky, dirty feet). So, I'm a day away from a second round (after a 25% water change and pump service). Again, the tank stinks like horrible athletes feet and the ulcer (or whatever it is) still looks about the same.
At any rate, if you have any luck with other meds (my fish's side has a similar looking eruption), please let me know.
All I gotta say so far is, Melafix sucks. I also tried the Maracyn and it didn't work either.
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