Okay I have a crayfish that seems to be infected with some kind of neotode (sp?) any ideas on what medication can be used that will not kill it?
Crayfish experts needed...
- Thread starter Sounguru
- Start date
I have heard of something like this before and found this:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/crayfishfaqs.htm
Crayfish With Worms? Parasite, or Symbiont? - 12/06/2005
Hi,
<Hello.>
I am a Veterinarian with very limited, if any, experience with marine animals.
<Good thing crays are freshwater, then! <grin> >
<< <giggle> >>
My son's 7th grade class has an aquarium with crayfish and he tells me that they have white worms on them, about 1/2" long. My question is, if he acquires a worm for me and I can determine whether it is a worm or a fluke, what would be the meds that I could use? Please include dosages and exactly how to administer the meds. I do have liquid Fenbendazole but it is thick and white, is this OK to use in water? Please help, if possible.
<The real question here is whether these worms are actually a problem.... or whether they may be a *benefit* to the class Cray. It sounds like these are Branchiobdellids, which are often found on crayfish, and pose no threat to the animals. Though perhaps a little unsightly, these guys do seem to offer some benefit to the Cray, and apparently even consume damaged eggs of carrying females while not harming healthy eggs. Were it me/my class, I'd probably leave the worms be, and maybe make a sort of a project out of it to count the crayfish's "helpers" every now and then, and have a chance to learn about symbiosis. Here is a link with a bit of information: Worms & Crayfish ....
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/crayfishfaqs.htm
Crayfish With Worms? Parasite, or Symbiont? - 12/06/2005
Hi,
<Hello.>
I am a Veterinarian with very limited, if any, experience with marine animals.
<Good thing crays are freshwater, then! <grin> >
<< <giggle> >>
My son's 7th grade class has an aquarium with crayfish and he tells me that they have white worms on them, about 1/2" long. My question is, if he acquires a worm for me and I can determine whether it is a worm or a fluke, what would be the meds that I could use? Please include dosages and exactly how to administer the meds. I do have liquid Fenbendazole but it is thick and white, is this OK to use in water? Please help, if possible.
<The real question here is whether these worms are actually a problem.... or whether they may be a *benefit* to the class Cray. It sounds like these are Branchiobdellids, which are often found on crayfish, and pose no threat to the animals. Though perhaps a little unsightly, these guys do seem to offer some benefit to the Cray, and apparently even consume damaged eggs of carrying females while not harming healthy eggs. Were it me/my class, I'd probably leave the worms be, and maybe make a sort of a project out of it to count the crayfish's "helpers" every now and then, and have a chance to learn about symbiosis. Here is a link with a bit of information: Worms & Crayfish ....
Seek out "Crusty" on crayfishmates.com ... he's extremely experienced and well connected with all types of people, sources and information. He'll know what to do.
Poor cray. I believe that to be the parasitic white worm I've read about. I agree with black_sun, I'd seek Crusty's help.
I can't offer any assistance here with that worm's relationship with the crayfish as I am still learning about crayfish. I'd just like to comment on the photographs; Awesome shots as always! This is one of the best photos I've seen showing the worms that infect crayfish. It certianly doesn't look like a beneficial parasite though just based upon where the worm is located.
Hey Will how about fembendazole (dog dewormer)
http://arizonainverts.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=273
http://arizonainverts.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=273
I was getting ready to use some of that to elimate planaria in the same tank so I might be telling you how that works....
