Gill and Skin Flukes Disease
Gill flukes is the infection from either the Dactylogyrus or Gyrodactylus parasite. There are two types monogenetic (single host) and digenectic flukes (several hosts). This disease is more common on coldwater fish, monogenetic flukes do not bother freshwater tropical fish. Flukes often appear on the skin and are known as skin flukes. These can appear on tropical marine fish.
Symptoms Of Gill And Skin Flukes Disease
Fish can often seem to be scratching or rubbing themselves on rocks or anything in the aquarium that is hard, even some plants. There will usually be an increase in the respiration rate so the gills will appear to flap. They will also probably be inflamed. If there is no inflammation and the fish is at the surface then it is probably gasping for air as there may be to much carbon dioxide in the water. Skin flukes appear as dandruff like flakes or minute black threads.
Treatment Of Gill And Skin Flukes Disease
Fish infected with the Dactylogyrus or Gyrodactylus parasite with have these parasites burrowed into the skin or delicate membranes. They will need to be bathed in a well aerated solution of proprietary treatments specially designed for parasitic control such as Clout or Paratox. This disease cannot survive without a hosts therefore one approach to eradicate your aquarium of this disease is to treat all fish in another tank where possible for a couple of days.
