White worm like creature attached to neon tetra

phish4brains

phish4brains

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May 14, 2012
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The Poconos, PA
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Josh
Just noticed this yesterday, and have been trying to research what exactly it is. I have seen him separated from the school hanging out in back of tank amongst the plants, however still seems rather active and eating! Also, I have not noticed any scratching.

The worm is attached at both ends, slightly embedded in the fish's head around the mouth area. Everything I have read online leads me to believe that this is a leech, but I want to get some second opinions so I know how to treat it. I have Coppersafe on hand, however am hesitant to start using it until I positvely identify the problem.

parameters:
5 gallon moderately planted
6 neon tetras.....no inverts
ammonia= 0
nitrite= 0
nitrate= 10
ph= 6.8-7.0
kh= 4 dkh

Here is a pic: (I could not get a good shot of the fish, so I took one from online and drew the worm on in photoshop. It looks pretty close to what I am seeing)


Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!worm.jpg

worm.jpg
 
Last edited:
About 5 years ago I had a goldfish with something similar on the bottom of its body by the tail. never knew what it was but i netted it up took a tweezer and ripped it out. fish did fine in, added some epsom salt to the tank


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I had the same thing on my convict cichlid when i used to keep them. He managed to get it off by himself and i never saw it again. Just keep an eye on him and the other fish just incase it is something that can be spread. Better safe than sorry :)

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Well I added a little salt with hopes that it might loosen up its grip but no improvements, so yanking it might be the only option aside from medicating the tank. Not sure if I can do an isolated salt bath for the little guy. I have successfully with other species, but do not know if a neon can handle it. The Thing with pulling it out, is that the parasite is attached right near the fishes eye, plus its obviously a small fish. I guess I will make that decision when I get home from work.

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I don't know about keeping it separately, but I would take it out and just simply take a tweezer and rip it out. A little salt i find is always healthy, but because tetras are schooling fish it may get stressed out being separated


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It's probably an anchor worm. I agree with the others, pull it out, and then place in a quarantine tank for a day or so with clean water and a little salt. He should heal up nicely.
 
Well, I went in to pull the little worm off and had realized that it was gone. He must of worked it off on his own! There was a little bump on the neons head where the worm had been, but he was happily back with the others. I did a good gravel vac and added some Epsom salt solution I have mixed up. All is well!!

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