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Koi Diseases

Skin Flukes

   

 

 

 

Skin Flukes

Type: Parasitic

  

>>caused by skin flukes, Gyrodactylus, small trematodes or worm-like parasites that grow up to 2 mm in length

>> Gyrodactylus is monogean, i.e., it needs only one host to complete its entire life cycle

>> gyrodactylids, which give live birth, have a V-shaped head and no eyespots

>> flukes anchor themselves to the koi using hooks at one end of their body

>> another commonly encountered fluke in koi is the dactylogyrus, which differs from the gyrodactylus by having a scalloped head and visible eyespots, and by being oviparous (egg-laying)

   

Symptoms:

  

>> whitish or cloudy skin due to excess mucus production

>> rubbing of skin against rocks and pond surfaces

>> long periods of rest at the bottom of the pond with clamped fins

>> reddening of some focal areas

>> can create entry points for secondary bacterial infections, which in turn can lead to ulcers

   
 

Remedies:

  

>> flukes are difficult to treat

>> a skin scrape or biopsy is needed to make a definite diagnosis of skin flukes

>> regular salt baths, as well as special treatments with malachite green and formalin may produce results;

>> organophosphates such as masoten may be required for severe cases

 
 
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