Is this a tape worm??

[DatDiscusDude]

If I may ask, what does something like that cost to send fish out for such a service?

[BmoreBraap]

Thanks Pat....

Discusdude, the labs themselves are $65 for up to 3 fish. But you also need to factor in over night shipping because they need the fish alive.

[Jack L]

why does the fish need to be alive?

[Jack L]

Well...back with the same question but this time I caught it coming out of a fish. I'm not treating with any meds currently. A few pics below. What are the risks with having tapeworms in a tank, are they "contagious" or will they switch hosts? Never dealt with them before so appreciate any help.

http://i.imgur.com/0PTNDW4.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/eNiJPNh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/mhksTZp.jpg

so this WAS a worm being passed?

p.s. i just found your thread, sorry for problems but glad you shared experience.

[BmoreBraap]

To be honest Jack, I have no idea if that is an actual worm or not. The lab reported back that I had Capillaria worms which as far as I'm aware are completely microscopic. That exact fish was one of the ones tested and no other worms or parasites were present. I did treat for Hex at first due to the white stringy poo, but there were no traces of it.
As for the fish being alive, its required because some parasites/diseases will die with the host, so in order to be 100% sure they need the fish alive. The unfortunate thing is that this is the ONLY sure way to know exactly what you are dealing with. Every thing else is a best guess and then a matter of luck that you guessed right.

[Jack L]

i found this when searching on it
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa091

thanks for follow up info. it was good you were able to get to the bottom of it.