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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 |
