Copepods and worms

[mishi8]

Further to my woes about fish health, tonight I was taking a good look at my 20 gallon tank and noticed what looks like copepods and white worms on the glass and in the water column. I have never noticed them before, and am assuming that they are there due to over feeding. I wouldn't be surprised that there is an overabundance of food, considering my fish haven't been eating that well lately. Although I do a PWC and gravel vacuum weekly.

Is it possible that there is a connection between these critters and the internal parasites the fish may have? Can the worms and copepods themselves be causing problems for my fish?

 

[mishi8]

bump

 

[mishi8]

Any chance this could be Ergasilus sieboldii (gill fluke)? Would I see them free swimming at all?

I do not recall seeing any of these critters before my female platy had the prolapse and died. Still wondering if this can all be related. I'm only seeing the copepods and worms in my 20 gal, not my 10 gal. Aside from overfeeding enouraging growth, how do creatures like this get introduced to a tank?

 

[mishi8]

The larger ones I see certainly match the shape of an adult female Ergasilus sieboldii.

My next step is to do a good gravel vacuum and PWC, and then dose with PraziPro (it's supposed to treat for both external and internal parasites) in the water to see if it will help. Gotta try something. Any other suggestions?

 

[gabrielandco.]

bump!