Deworming questions

[firefly1152]

I'm having some issues with my mixed mbuna tank. I believe it's parasites.

There's one acei that's skinny with clear stringy poop. He was skinny when I got him (about 3 months ago) and the shop owner said to feed him and he would get better.

Another one, a kenyi, just started exhibiting fast breathing, flashing, and wanting to hide behind the heater.



A few days ago, I had 4 fish showing the clear stringy poop. I went to a fish store and got some medicated flake food. I believe the brand name is angels plus.

I got levamisole, praziquantel, and fenbendazole. I was told to treat first with the levamisole for two days, skip a day, treat with praziquantel for 6 days, skip a day, then treat with fenbendazole every other day for a total of 5 feedings.

The kenyi that is hiding started acting odd after the first levamisole feeding .
They are used to getting flake food, so I'm not 100% sure it's bloat from the flakes.

Does anyone think the deworming program looks okay?

 

[phreeflow]

If they are eating the flakes that’s the best way to treat internal parasites...by getting the food directly to their gut. Not sure about that combo because it really depends on what you’re treating for.

In my experience, Levamisole makes fish become very sluggish. Everytime I’ve used it, the fish most affected by parasites, tend to float near the substrate and not move much. Not sure the reason but once they pass the worms, they seem to perk up. I typically treat with Levamisole for 3 days straight and have had great results. Also, if they’re exhibiting labored breathing, adding a bit of salt always helps mine with osmoregulation.

 

[tlindsey]

https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/deworming-fish.701482/#post-7905735

 

[firefly1152]

The kenyi died this morning. I wanted to do an autopsy, but I have to go to work til 3 so I bagged it up and put it in the freezer.

 

[RD.]

Unfortunately with Africans worms is seldom the issue, what it sounds like you are dealing with is Spironucleus vortens, aka Hexamita, aka Malawi bloat. If the remaining fish are eating, I would highly recommend getting some NLS Hex-Shield, which contain metronidazole, magnesium sulfate, and a mega dose of garlic. You can also treat the water with metronidazole to kill any free floating parasites that are in the water column. Good luck.