How to treat Fish Lice (Argulus)

[ST1100]

Recently my XB had a few "fish Lice" attached to it's dosal fin & tail and because my 5' x 2.5' x 2' tank has a few rays (which are very sensitive to medication), I was extremely careful in finding the right medication to eradicate this parasite. Below are my findings and treatment which I would like to share with everyone.

Argulus is a crustacean or branchiurian parasite most commonly encountered in ponds, but they are also found in aquaria. Although the Argulus is visible to the human eye,it is easy to miss. They appear as small dark spots (greenish) that are easy to overlook unless they move. Often found in relatively sheltered areas behind the fins or around the head. They are capable of moving very quickly. They can be very destructive to fish. They carry Aeromonas and other bacteria on their feeding stiletto and thus infect each fish they bite.

Symptoms: Fish with a heavy lice infestation will show a classic irritation response such as rubbing and flashing. At a later stage they will become lethargic. Affected fish may have focal red lesions on their body.

Treatment: "Ocean Free 'O' Anchor Worm & Fish Lice" medication. Apply full dosage as recommended. It has been proven to be safe for Arowana and Stingray. Within 12hrs ... of treatment. ..all the "Fish Lice" were detached from my aro and haven't reappear since than.

Precautionary measures: As most Anchor Worm & Fish Lice comes from the feeder that we buy, it would best to treat your feeder tank with "Ocean Free 'O' Anchor Worm & Fish Lice" medication periodically so that they will not infest your main tank.

Links:
http://www.bonniesplants.com/sick_in...sh/argulus.htm (check out the video)
http://www.fish-disease.net/diseases/argulus.php
http://www.cnykoi.com/health/para.asp

[Squid]

thanks for sharing hope i never encounter it though

hope i dun hv to use it, but definately informative...

[Aroboy II]

Very good article there.

just use a tweezer to pull em out
....i've got some fishes with those kinda bugs too.

good info...upz ah

[ST1100]

Originally Posted by jiaming

just use a tweezer to pull em out
....i've got some fishes with those kinda bugs too.

Bro Jiaming... for small fishes, using a tweezer to remove them is never a problem. But to bag a 15" XB into a prawn bag (which is by no easy mean) and try to hold him down to remove the fish lice with a tweezer is a big problem. Moveover, there maybe other fish lice still in your tank with eggs about to hatch. So my above solution is best because it eradicate them once and for all without stressing your aro.

Originally Posted by ST1100

Bro Jiaming... for small fishes, using a tweezer to remove them is never a problem. But to bag a 15" XB into a prawn bag (which is by no easy mean) and try to hold him down to remove the fish lice with a tweezer is a big problem. Moveover, there maybe other fish lice still in your tank with eggs about to hatch. So my above solution is best because it eradicate them once and for all without stressing your aro.

Yup cause no harm to e aro too....

I've seen these fellas attach themselves to mollies. To the untrained eye, the affected fishes look as healthy as non affected ones.

[KTM]

Bro

I recomend u to get Waterlife Parazin P4. I have similarm problem with my PG and it works for me. U can get it from most LFS.

Good luck.