Just like dogs and cats, koi are also susceptible to parasitic infestation. Flukes are the most coarse form of fish parasites under the family of monogenetic trematoda. These parasites use a set of hooks associated at the rear end of their bodies to aid in anchoring themselves to their chosen hosts. The gill and skin flukes in koi fish are two known variations of the said parasites. These monogenean trematodes look like worms and can measure up to 2mm in length. An overcrowded pond with unfiltered water is an ideal breeding ground for these puny invaders.
Gill flukes, also known as Dactylogyrus, are live-bearing parasites which has v-shaped heads with no evident eyespots. The unborn dactylogyrids have an marvelous capability of developing a larva inside their abdomen even before they are born. They also have the capability to reproduce thousands of larvae in a short span of time. These parasites feed on epithelial cells, blood and mucus found in the gills of the fish. Severe infestation is commonly characterized by inflamed and damaged gills.
Fluke
Skin flukes or Gyrodactylus are egg-laying parasites which have scalloped heads with distinctive eyespots. Its pregnancy rate is strongly dependent on water temperature. This type of sycophant is capable of laying two dozen of eggs in an hour. Warm water speeds up the pregnancy of eggs which can only take up to four days while cold water temperature slows it down and may take up to thirty days before the eggs are hatched.
A koi fish infested with dactylogyrus sycophant will have a hard time closing its gills thus it appears lifted. Discoloration on the affected region is also noted. There is also an increased possibility of the gill filaments sticking together due to inordinate mucus production. If left untreated, an irreversible damage on the gills may occur. Moreover, there is a greater risk of developing more serious bacterial and fungal infections which can be fatal. Skin fluke causes irritation and the infected fish will commonly rub itself against objects in the hope of eradicating the unseen invaders. Lethargy, focal flushing and skin hyperplasia can be noted in its developed stage.
Normally, a small number of these parasites do not cause harm to its host. But if present in larger numbers, it can pose great danger on the widespread health of the fish due to the possible improvement of secondary infections. The medicine for gill and skin flukes in koi fish are only considerable if the infestation has gotten way out of hand. Consecutive salt baths done within 2-3 days are found to be a very useful treatment.
A more aggressive approach may contain the use of chemicals such as Chloramine T, Potassium Permanganate and Malachite Green of Formalin. Although the said treatments provide no certify that the infestation will be completely eradicated. Repetitive treatments are often required to effectively eliminate the infestation. Remember that keen notice is crucial in early detection of the disease. Therefore always look out for signs which may indicate a possible fluke infestation and immediately apply the standard treatment.
Gill and Skin Flukes in Koi Fish
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