red "spikes" from anal opening and small white worms in gravel...

[kendrew]

flowerhorns don't generally have this problem unless they come from a fish farm in Florida that I can't remember the name of right now. I have only noticed that fish that are from a particular fish farm in Florida have these and they can spread but it's a long process. If you buy any fish from PetSmart, all their fish usually have them since they buy them from this farm. Here are a couple pics that I could find on the net. Oh and do not try to pull the worms out of the fish.

YES!!! this is it...mine isnt that bad yet but it is def the same thing!!! so what treatment should i go with to rid the fish of them??? u guys/girls are awesome!!!!!!

 

[bluestarflowerfish]

they only really show when the fish goes to the bathroom, or when the fish isn't moving around alot. When the fish is moving, they usually retreat back inside the fish and you don't even know they are there. Oh, and I remember the name of the farm, it's Ekk Wil. PetSmart buys their fish from them and they all seem to have the worms. Here is the article I found on a website to treat this condition. It is a long and lengthy treatment so be prepared. http://www.petfish.net/kb/entry/154/

 

[ocellatus]

I agree, these are Callamanus, an intestinal nematode.

The group of chemicals that are said to be effective in treatment are the Anthelmintics:
Niclosamide
Mebendazole
Levamisole
Praziquantel
Piperazine citrate

I had an infestation in a young delhezi that responded well to Praziquantel, which is one of the active ingredients in Jungle Labs Parasite Clear. I followed the directions, and needed to repeat treatment for 2 courses until they were eradicated.

Walmart and many LFS carry Parasite clear. Simple to dose (fizzy tabs) and (in my case) safe and effective.

O

 

[bluestarflowerfish]

you can try the jungle products but alot of the parasites have become immune to the regular parasite clear thats why the panacur works best.

 

[likestofish]

so gross is giving me the creps.

 

[Druu]

Arg. Thanks again bluestar. I will keep an eye on it for the next while. I hope this isn't it because treatment sounds like a pain in the ass. How long can the eggs live in the tank without a host? I just put two veil tail oscars into a tank that my FH was in two weeks ago...

 

[bluestarflowerfish]

according to the information that I have read, it can take up to 6 months for visable signs that they are still there. they are one of the nastiest pests in the aquatic world and not only does your fish suffer but you suffer as well just because of how much work it is just to get rid of these things.

 

[oscarlover61898]

I have them too.