👉 Introduction
Guppies are popular freshwater aquarium fish with bright colors and active behaviors. However, they can experience health problems just like any other pet, and anchor worms are a typical problem for guppy owners. This blog post will explain anchor worms, what symptoms to keep an eye for, and the best ways to cure and prevent them from affecting your guppy tank.
Anchor worms are not actually worms. They are macroscopic external parasites meaning they can be seen by our naked eye. They are crustacean copepod parasites, scientifically known as Lernaea spp. having ability to infect/ cause diseases leading mortality in many type of freshwater fishes. The part which we call as ''WORM'' is actually the female reproductive structure.
Although more than 110 species of lernaeids (Lernaea and Lernaea-like parasites) have been described, Lernaea cyprinacea is one of the most common species among them. Among cyprinids, such as koi, common carp, and goldfish they are most prevalent. It costs the aquaculture business millions of dollars every year because of them. Amphibians are believed to be infected by Lernaea spp. as well.
👉Taxonomic classification of Learnea sp.?
👉 Geographical distribution?
👉 What to they do?
Anchor worms can infest the skin, gills, and fins (dorsal, pectoral, pelvic and tail) of fish. They appear like tiny, thread-like worms (10mm-20mm in length) with a forked or anchor-like shape at one end, which they use to attach themselves to their host. These parasites feed on the blood and tissues of fish, causing irritation and potentially leading to secondary infections if left untreated.
👉 Life cycle of anchor worms ?
Although most of the copepod species are free-living and harmless, Lernaea spp. is unusual of them. They have a somewhat complex life cycle and they do not need an intermediate host for the transmission, rather they spread from one fish to another by directly.
✤ The female anchor worms are permanently embed into fish skin and muscles using the large anchor on her head (anterior end).
✤ Within 24 hours of mating female becomes into a mature adult and starts releasing eggs. The eggs are located in a pair if sacs on its back (posterior end). The released eggs hatch within 24-36 hours of feralization. Females can produce batches of juveniles every two weeks up to 16 weeks at temperatures warmer than 25 ⁰C.
✤ The newly hatched free-living non-parasitic nauplii passes three different stages within 4-16 days and molt into first copepodite stage.
✤ After this metamorphosis, no further development occurs unless a host is found. They become parasitic and attach to a host, very often gills. After attaching to the host, the larvae are not able to swim anymore because their appendages are reduced.
✤ The parasite passes 5 successive copepodite stages usually. Both sexes become sexually mature at 4th copepodite stage. Again they gain swimming ability and female becomes fertilized.
✤ Male dies within 24 hours of mating. The female start to seek the second fish host and this if where it makes egg sacs.
✤ It takes from 14-28 days to complete the life cycle (25-30 ⁰C), and only fish/ amphibian is needed for the success maturity from an egg to mature adult.
✤ Under natural conditions several generations occur within one year. However it could take up to one year to produce a new generation under cold temperatures.
👉Symptoms of Anchor Worms in Guppies:
Identifying anchor worm infestations early is crucial for your guppies' well-being.
Look out for these common symptoms:
📌Visible Worms:
The most obvious sign is the presence of anchor worms on the fish's body, fins, or gills. These can look like small threads or tiny white or greenish-yellow strings attached to the fish.
📌Redness and Inflammation:
Infected areas may become red, swollen, or sore, which can make your guppy visibly uncomfortable.
📌Scratching:
Guppies with anchor worm infestations often try to scratch or rub their bodies against objects in the tank to alleviate itching.
📌Behavioral Changes:
Your guppies may exhibit changes in behavior, such as reduced activity, loss of appetite, or isolating themselves from other fish.
👉When and where infections are high?
The summertime is when anchor worm infestations are most common, and they are more frequent in bodies of stagnant or slow moving waters.
👉Causes for Anchor Worms?:
📌Skipping quarantine when new fish/plants are added into your tank:
Juvenile anchor worms or reproductively active females can be found in the skin of the newly introducing fish. The newly introducing plants can bring juveniles if they might have contacted with the water with free-swimming juveniles.
📌 Poor water quality:
Anchor worms have the ability to exploit fish that are in a weaker or stressed state. Consequently, substandard water quality, characterized by elevated pollution levels, disrupted water parameters, and diminished oxygen levels, might render fish more vulnerable to infection.
📌 High fish density:
Anchor worms have a higher propensity for transmission in densely populated environments, such as ponds or aquariums that exceed their optimal stocking capacity. An elevated stocking density has a negative impact on water conditions, leading to an accelerated proliferation of certain specific parasites.
👉Diagnosing for Anchor Worms:
📌Anchor worms can be confused with looking like algae or plant debris which are sticking to fish. You can spot out loose threads like structures are dangling from various body parts of your guppies. A vet can use a microscopic observation and confirm the infestation.
👉Treatment for Anchor Worms:
If you suspect your guppies have anchor worms, it's essential to take prompt action to eliminate the parasites because they can proliferate and damage the gills, making it difficult for the fish to breath.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to treat anchor worm infestations:
📌Isolate Infected Fish: Remove the infected guppies from the main tank and place them in a quarantine tank. This prevents the parasites from spreading to other fish.
📌Manual Removal: Using fine-tipped tweezers or a cotton swab, carefully remove the visible anchor worms from the affected areas of the fish. Be gentle to avoid injuring your guppy. It is needed to remove the entire parasite specially the feeding-end which is under the fish's skin. Depending on the level of infestation sedation can be applied if needed.
Nevertheless, it is crucial to use caution when removing the tail or head of a fish, as inadvertently breaking them off may result in their retention within the fish's skin.
📌Salt bath treatment:
The infested fish should be immersed in water with 1-2 teaspoons of sodium chloride (NaCl), since this may potentially minimize the occurrence of further infections.
📌Garlic bath treatment:
Dice 2-3 cloves of garlic and incorporate them into the solution. Immerse the fish in the designated solution for a duration of 10 to 15 minutes, followed by a thorough rinsing with fresh water.
📌Potassium permangenate treatment:
The exposure of larval lernaeids to a potassium permanganate concentration of 25 mg/L during a 30-minute bath has been found to result in their mortality. However, it should be noted that adult lernaeids may exhibit a higher resistance and hence may have a higher likelihood of survival under similar conditions.
- It is important to follow the instructions carefully when using potassium permanganate, as it can be toxic if not used correctly.
It is successful to treat anchor worms using organophosphates or diflubenzuron (dimilin), but it must be done with extreme caution. Use only veterinary-approved items, keep them out of the reach of kids and other animals, and put on the appropriate protection (gloves) when handling medications.
📌Killing free-swimming juveniles using UV:
You can still have a microscopic issue after the older females have been eliminated: the juvenile phases. They can be killed by removing your substrate/décor and running your water through UV light.
📌Regular Water changes:
Regularly change the water in the quarantine tank to maintain optimal water quality and remove any dead parasites or larvae.
📌Professional consultation:
In the case of a serious or persistent infestation, or if there is uncertainty over the treatment process, it is advisable to seek the counsel of a local aquatic veterinarian or a pond specialist to obtain professional advice and guidance.
📌Regular monitoring and repeating:
It is advisable to conduct routine examinations of fish specimens in order to identify any indications of potential reoccurrence of anchor worm infection. In the event of identifying novel infestations, it is advisable to swiftly initiate the treatment procedure once again.
👉 Guppy With Anchor Worms: Prognosis
Secondary bacterial infections may develop at the adult attachment sites of your guppies. These sites should be monitored carefully. They may require treatment with antibiotics depending on the severity under the supervision of your vegetarian. Good water quality is the best weapon to fight against secondary bacterial infections.
👉 How to Prevent Anchor Worms:
Between fish, anchor worms are extremely contagious. To prevent future anchor worm infestations, maintain good tank hygiene, and quarantine any new fish before introducing them to your main tank.
Overstocking also should be avoided. Remember, juvenile larvae are tiny, so you might not notice their presence until it is too late.
Also, ensure your guppies are stress-free, as stressed fish are more susceptible to parasites.
In order to enhance the immune systems and overall health of pond fish, it is imperative to adhere to a well-balanced diet. Fish that are in good health possess enhanced abilities to defend against illnesses.
👉Conclusion:
Anchor worms can be a nuisance for guppy owners, but with prompt detection and proper treatment, you can protect your fish and maintain a healthy aquarium. Remember to observe your guppies regularly, practice good tank maintenance, and be prepared to take action if you suspect an anchor worm infestation. Your guppies will thank you with their vibrant colors and joyful antics in return.
👉References:
1. Al-Marjan, K. S., & Abdullah, S. M. (2008). Experimental study of the life cycle of the anchor worm Lernaea cyprinacea Linnaeus, 1758. J. Duhok Univ, 11(2), 110-116.
2. Al-Hamed, M. I., & Hermiz, L. (1973). Experiments on the control of anchor worm (Lernaea cyprinacea). Aquaculture, 2, 45-51.
3. Dempster, R.P., Morales, P. and Glennon, F.X., 1988. Use of sodium chlorite to combat anchorworm infestations of fish. The Progressive Fish-Culturist, 50(1), pp.51-55.
4. Hossain, M.M.M., Ferdoushi, J. and Rupom, A.H., 2018. Biology of anchor worms (Lernaea cyprinacea). Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies, 6(1), pp.910-917.
5. Hossain, M.M.M., Rahman, M.Z., Islam, M.A., Alam, M.E. and Rahman, H., 2013. Lernaea (anchor worm) investigations in fish. Int J Anim Fish Sci, 1(1), pp.12-19.
6. Linnaeus, C. (1789). Systema Naturae per regna tria naturae, secundum classes, ordines, genera, species; cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis (Vol. 1). apud JB Delamolliere.
7. Steckler, N. and Yanong, R.P., 2012. Lernaea (Anchorworm) infestations in fish. Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. University of Florida. FA-185.
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