Medication
Bichirs in general are a hardy fish however if you need to treat a tank with
bichirs in it, some medications are not tolerated well ,particulary copper based
ones such as malachite green, victoria green, methyline blue, and formalin based
medications, below is a list of medications and dosages.
formalin based medication 1/2 directed dose
methyline blue 1/2 directed dose
malachite green 1/2 directed dose
parasite guard 3/4 directed dose
parasite guard full directed dose
metronidazole full diercted dose
maracyn-2 full directed dose
maracyn full directed dose
kanacyn full directed dose
melafix full directed dose
pimafix full directed dose
aquarisol 1/2-2/3 directed dose
quickcure 1/2-2/3 directed dose
neo-sporin or poly-sporin as topical antiseptic
As with any medication watch for any signs of istress.
Parasites particular to Polypterids
While generally hardy fish, bichirs can get many of the normal standard fish
dieases however there are some specific to bichirs and those are the focus
of this post.
Digenetic trematodes ( internal flukes)
Callodistmum diaphaannum- may be found in Polypterus bichir (gall bladder)
The adult form of these flukes can inhabit any part of the body diagnosis of these
worms is usually not possible and treatment is not warranted
Monogenetic trematodes(skin and gill flukes)
Macrogyrodactylus polypter-malmberg
Macrogyrodactylus polypteri- may be found in wildcaught P.senegalus form Gambia
These resemble fine hairs or very fine pieces of thread,they are visible to the naked
eye as symptons include rubbing and rolling its body and thrashing it can be cured
usually by using Jungle labs Parasite guard at 3/4 dose.(this is the most comon
parasite i have seen)
Proteocephalus (tapeworms)
Proteocephalus pentastoma -may be found in P. bichir wildcaught from the Sudan
Proteocephalus sulcatus- may be found in P. endilcheri wildcaught from the sudan
Polyoncobothrium polypteri- may be found in P.bichir wildcaught in Egypt
Camallanus polypteri n. sp-.is described from Polypterus bichir in Lake Tingrela, Burkina Faso.
The adults lie in the intestines of it host as it sheds its eggsthey are pushed down
the intestines and eventually into the water.Most if not all need an intermediate
host .ie.the eggs are eaten by a small crustacean it in turn is eaten by a small
fish which in turn is eaten by a bigger fish.A starving host may expell its tapeworm .
Lernaeidae (parasitic crustaceans)
Lernaea haplocephala - May be found on any wildcaught polypterid
This is a species of anchor worm i'd suggest parasite guard 3/4 dose
So you can see along with the more common parasites.We have some
species specific ones.Here i cannot help but bring up the importence
the practice of quartine is, especially with bichirs as many are wild-
caught .And the risk of contamination is to high.All new specimens really
need to be quaratineed for 4 weeks
Also figure infections form wounds such as fungus and bacterial infections
