SYMPTOMS
17. Small, whitish/greyish/or creamish "worms" crawl out of head region of Discus family fishes. Unless the infestation is massive and/or secondary bacterial and fungal infections develop. The condition is rarely terminal but very unsightly and may cause infestation of other fishes in system if parasties allowed to reproduce.

DISEASE
HOLE-IN-THE HEAD DISEASE - caused by Hexamita Protozoa parasites which are probably endemic in all populations of wild Discus species, and even in tank-bred specimens if system not STERAZIN and OCTOZIN treated.

TROPICAL FRESHWATER & COLDWATER AQUARIA
Change 25%-33% of aquarium water for HUMAQUAT - treated rainwater or deionised water or tapwater (=decending order of preference) and carry out a full course of STERAZIN and OCTOZIN treatment.

SEAWATER AND BRACKISHWATER
Not STRICTLY applicable although the author has observed similar organisms infesting head area of Surgeons/Tangs/Moorish idols. Should be treated with STERAZIN and later OCTOZIN (harmless to invertebrates).

GARDEN PONDS
Not applicable.