"Curly" poo: what parasite/worm is that?

[sophie68]

Good morning everyone,

I noticed that my leopard has "curly" poo, I mean it kind of twists around, a bit like hair would. Does that indicate a particular internal parasite? Thanks! He is eating fine so far and I am actually feeding him "deworm" bits. They have piperazine in them. I hope I am doing the right thing.
Thanks!

Sophie

[Cosmo]

Sophie,

My first thought was that your Discus was probably shedding it's intestinal lining, but without a pic or a more detailed description it's difficult to really say.

Since you've started treatment you should probably see it through, but during and after increase your WC regimen as fresh water may be the antidote.

If symptoms persist or worsen, try and get a pic, post your water parameters, and give as detailed descritpion as you can.

Jim

[D discus]

Shedding its intestinal lining! B S! Treat for Parasitic Copepods. DD

[brewmaster15]

Hi Dick,
Just curious here by why do you think its "parasitic Copepods"? I don't know of any parasitic copepods that are internal.

thanks,
al

[sophie68]

Hi guys,
I will try to post a pic. Not easy. Don' t know what these copepods are either...My leopard is a bit shy, because he is new (with another 2 fish) in a 80 gallon which has 2 pairs in it. I know, I am not supposed to do that!!! I did not plan on having 2 pairs either.... They keep laying eggs...The eggs don't hatch, but they do not give up!
So, these new 3 smaller discus (about 3 inches) get less food than the 4 big guys (over 5 inches). All the new discus are eating, it's just that leopard which is really shy. Will try to capture his poo on film and post it. It is red because of the dewormer bits which are also red.
Actually, I have another question: I have another leopard in QT. His poo is very white, pretty long and stringy, almost translucent and he is not eating, he is very thin. I believe he has hexamita. So I am using metro. Is that a good choice to get him/her to eat????? I don't have a microscope so....

Thanks!!!

Sophie

[Cosmo]

Sophie,

From your description, it sounds like metro is the right choice. You might want to look through the library or use the search engine to find threads on how to best use the med. Or better yet.. read through the sticky on the top of this forum

Jim

[sophie68]

Thanks Jim,
Will do!

Sophie

[doc3toes]

Shedding its intestinal lining! B S! Treat for Parasitic Copepods. DD

Actually i am curious about this too. I had seen something in a couple of fecals that looked like a flatened copepod with a spike of a tail, but i could't ID it. any photos, drawings or parasite names to contribute?