Extreme Cestode Photos

[Eddie]

Well, although not too common, this is only the second time since keeping discus that I have ever had a run in with cestodes (tapeworm).

Indicators: Fish were pale, then dark at times. Feeding well but sometimes a few fish would go off food at different feedings. I've wormed the fish with fenbendazole flake but these are for dealing with nematodes. Tapeworms (cestodes) are effectively treated using Praziquantel.

Treatment: I dosed Praziquantel powder at 75mg per 10 gallons/24 hours. Fed the fish this morning and guess what popped out. One of the longest tapeworms I've ever seen come out of a fish. 2 fish dropped tapeworms so far.

I bet the fish will feel much better now, not carrying this stowaway. The last photo shows the head. In several of the pictures, you can see the segmented body of the tapeworm.

[Disgirl]

Amazing photos Eddie! Better than the ones I have seen in the books. Sure glad the med. works and the fish sure must feel better now! Hope this is the end of them.
Barb

[Ed13]

WOW, they must feel pounds lighter!

[Eddie]

Amazing photos Eddie! Better than the ones I have seen in the books. Sure glad the med. works and the fish sure must feel better now! Hope this is the end of them.
Barb

WOW, they must feel pounds lighter!

Definitely gotta feel better....its still going too. That thing is already >7 inches long!

[moik]

your making me think of worming my guys now..Prazi is easily diluted in water?

[Ed13]

your making me think of worming my guys now..Prazi is easily diluted in water?

Vodka is your friend

BTW Eddie, how many days are you going to wait until the second treatment?

[calihawker]

Wow, great pics Eddie! I was wondering, because all my animals get wormed on a regular basis, if you think fish should be too? I would think in a closed system you'd only have to do it once unless you're feeding live foods, and of course during qt'ing of new stock.

[Eddie]

your making me think of worming my guys now..Prazi is easily diluted in water?

It is if its fine powder but as Ed mentioned, vodka will do better.

Vodka is your friend

BTW Eddie, how many days are you going to wait until the second treatment?

I'm just gonna do a 48 hour treatment. Generally 24 hours is sufficient without a follow up. Follow-up treatments are recommended for nematodes.

Wow, great pics Eddie! I was wondering, because all my animals get wormed on a regular basis, if you think fish should be too? I would think in a closed system you'd only have to do it once unless you're feeding live foods, and of course during qt'ing of new stock.

I do actually think they should Steve. Many would disagree but in the case of worms in fish, its not a matter of if, just when. Usually its far too late to worm heavily infested fish. Now tapeworm (cestodes) are different than nematodes and their life cycle is completely different. Usually when treating cestodes, it will be a one shot, one kill process. I generally dont treat for cestodes but I'm glad I did.

Eddie

[moik]

what is the ratio/volume of vodka to the prazi??

[William Palumbo]

Eddie...I see where you have only one worm. I have had in the past, where Discus had 3 or more worms that big hanging out. Looked like thin squids. I was shocked at the amount of worms these 6 fish expelled. Gave me the creeps looking at them dead all over the bottom of the tank. I was scared to go in with the siphon to change the water. Did not want to touch that tank! The funny thing was all the fish acted and ate fine...they just looked a bit fat before each feeding, so I hit them with some Prazipro for the helof it, and the next morning I was grossed out at what I seen...Bill

[Eddie]

Eddie...I see where you have only one worm. I have had in the past, where Discus had 3 or more worms that big hanging out. Looked like thin squids. I was shocked at the amount of worms these 6 fish expelled. Gave me the creeps looking at them dead all over the bottom of the tank. I was scared to go in with the siphon to change the water. Did not want to touch that tank! The funny thing was all the fish acted and ate fine...they just looked a bit fat before each feeding, so I hit them with some Prazipro for the helof it, and the next morning I was grossed out at what I seen...Bill

Yeah Bill, check these ones out. This is after a 100% WC and retreat. Different fish.

[Disgirl]

Aw geez Eddie, what a thing to see before I go to bed! Nightmares for me tonight for sure!
Barb

[Eddie]

Aw geez Eddie, what a thing to see before I go to bed! Nightmares for me tonight for sure!
Barb

LOL, sorry Barb...hopefully you didnt have spaghetti for dinner!

[William Palumbo]

Yea Eddie...like that!....Gross! Wait until they cover the bottom of the tank, get stuck on the sponge filters, airline...YUCK!...The fish will feel much better for sure...Bill

[Eddie]

Yea Eddie...like that!....Gross! Wait until they cover the bottom of the tank, get stuck on the sponge filters, airline...YUCK!...The fish will feel much better for sure...Bill

Glad too cause now I can actually put more size on the fish as the tapeworms are not going to be robbing any essential nutrients!

Take care

Eddie