Waterlife - Science serving aquatics

 

Disease Treatment 17

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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.


After reading the above please refer to the General Notes for further information.

Please note: If symptoms persist it may be necessary to contact a veterinarian for a prescription treatment.