Comeback from tapeworm infection

[PhelansFish]

Have you tested your water?

Yes

If yes, what is your ammonia?

0

If yes, what is your nitrite?

0

If yes, what is your nitrate?

Less than 10 maybe 15 on a bad day

If I did not test my water...

...I recognize that I will likely be asked to do a test, and that water tests are critical for solving freshwater health problems.

Do you do water changes?

Yes

What percentage of water do you change?

61-70%

How frequently do you change your water?

Every week

If I do not change my water...

...I recognize that I will likely be recommended to do a water change, and water changes are critical for preventing future freshwater health problems.

Hello, I have a 12 inch argentea with what I believe to be a tapeworm infection. He pooped them out last sunday after a pure prazi and Flubendazole treatment which lasted 3 days. Since last Monday he stopped pooping them out and is about the same. Maybe a little but more active. Still not eating. Should I do another round? Has anyone ever had a fish live through a tapeworm infection. Btw i got him in September from a super unhealthy environment. Never fed live and maybe frozen once a month in the time i had him. Thanks!

 

[kno4te]

Never had fish with them but do recommend repeat treatment. I’d try and get ur fish’s appetite back immediately after a second round of meds.

 

[PhelansFish]

Never had fish with them but do recommend repeat treatment. I’d try and get ur fish’s appetite back immediately after a second round of meds.

How do you recommend getting the appetite back? I tried garlic guard but think hes just too weak to eat

 

[kno4te]

How do you recommend getting the appetite back? I tried garlic guard but think hes just too weak to eat

Waiting it out if it hasn’t lost significant weight. If you’ve already tried the garlic then last resort I’d try and put the food in an insulin or thin syringe and feed.

 

[jjohnwm]

I've had several wild-caught native fish that were infested with massive tapeworms; in one memorable instance a 10-inch fish passed several worms whose length would best be measured in feet rather than inches. The fish never appeared ill or emaciated, ate well throughout, and lived for several years after the incident. A huge worm like that is about as thick as cellophane, if that much...and less than 1/8 inch in width at the widest point.

Based upon my limited experience with the two types, I think that tapeworms/flatworms are not nearly as lethal as roundworms like Camallanus.

 

[PhelansFish]

Ya, the worms were pretty large. A lil over a foot.

 

[PhelansFish]

Update hes still hanging in there. Just ate twice the last few days for the first time in weeks. Hopefully he pulls through

 

[FJB]

In 2021 I bought two beautiful angel juvies (not wild caught, but TB F1 of Manacapuru scalaris). While in QT prey prove to be riddled with worms, as judging by major bulges (like lumps) in the abdominal area.
After treating with Prazi-pro (two rounds), a large mass of worms was expelled. I did not recognize a single large tapeworm, but instead a mass of perhaps several smaller ones.
As of today, the fish not only survived but are thriving and have spawned several times (in a weird 'community' tank).
Composition of fish in QT (2021) showing lumps and hanging wad of worms.
Then, more recent photo.
Cheers!