Anchor Worms

DRC Archive General Saltwater Discussion
1

Delaware we have a problem! That problem would be a parasitic Crustacean called Anchor Worms. We recently ordered from Blue Zoo, my brother and avid DPA customer got a hippo since they were on sale again for $14 a pop (not too shabby). he’s about 3/4" and has visible anchor worms now. I have emailed Blue Zoo about this but in the mean time while he is “trying” to catch this poor thing in a 90gal we need a course of action.

if it’s caught my other concern is the other inhabitants of the reef. A quick search brought me to potassium Pomegranate at 2MG per 10litre of water. it can be used in a community tank but colors the water i would imagine a shade of purple. I txt’d him what i found but i’m not sure whats in his mind if he can catch the fish.

We need help so put on your thinking caps, anyone with some experience chime in PLS!

2

cannot offer advice, but i have a pound of pp [bought for use in fresh water outdoor pond] that i would gladly share if you decide to go that route.

3

sounds like a q/t tank is in order. but until then, maybe a cleaner shrimp??? im a big fan of keeping things as naturl as possible. not sure if a freshwater bath will work for anchor worms or not.

4

found a little info.

Anchor Worm

Young anchor worms are free swimming crustaceans that bury themselves into the fish’s skin. It takes several months before the worm becomes visible in form of holes or ulcers on the fish’s body. After laying eggs, the worm dies off.

Since the worm can not be removed by hand, a potassium permanganate bath for about 20 minutes should cure it (dosage 10ml/l). Worms in the aquarium

Do NOT used Dimlin on arowana. Some fish can be very sensitive to Dimlin. Treatment: Once the fish is anaesthetized, all anchor worms should the be removed very carefully with tweezers, ensuring that the head and anchor are removed, not just the body and tail of the anchor worm. If difficulties are experienced in removing the live anchor worm, a strong solution of Potassium Permanganate crystals should be prepare by mixing 1 gram in 25 ml's of hot water. Dip the tweezers tips into the solution prior to removing the worm. Once the solution touched the anchor worm body, it should release it grip immediately. Once removed, the point of contact should be disinfected with a strong tropical dressing.
5

I have not had the problem, sorry. Jon or Icy may know

6

don’t think i have ever witnessed anchor worms in a salt tank

7

a little update. Talked to Mark from Blue zoo today and it can be treated easily with praziPro (hikari brand) of praziquantel.

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Have you treated for them yet? Any pics?