I think my mosquito fish has a parasite

[jackiomy]

I was just feeding my pond fish and I say what looks like a long grain of whit rice attached to one of my mosquito fish. Everyone else looks okay and this one doesn't look in distress but what should I do?

[ctbestfisherman]

It probably is a parasite unfortunetly. This isn't as much as a problem as it would be in an aquarium since a pond is larger. If you see it spreading to the other fish then you should do something about it. Since they are livebearers they will reproduce fast so the parasites shouldn't be a major problem but keep an eye out for more.

[ChilDawg]

Google "Anchor Worm" and tell us if that's it.

[jackiomy]

Google "Anchor Worm" and tell us if that's it.

Ewww that was icky, but , yes I think that is what it is.

[Kashta]

Jacki, when the fish is large enough and accessible enough, you could manually remove an anchor worm with tweezers. Then if it leaves a sore behind, just dab that spot with 3% hydrogen peroxide or iodine/betadine to prevent infection. Can imagine this would be a daunting prospect in this case, however..... mosquito fish are so small. The goldfish and koi references I have saved seem to advise treatment with Dimilin. So check for this listed in the ingredients of any anti-parasitic treatment product you might consider.

[Lupin]

Dimilin powder is indeed the best treatment but it is also toxic. Use gloves when you treat. It shouldn't be too difficult to remove anchorworms with tweezers from a mosquito fish if you are careful enough.

Good advice, Kash.