Sue2

I added 5 platies to my established tank last weekend. Right away, 3 of them didn't look good - lethargic and each had 1 cloudy eye (but not both eyes). Within 4 days, 1 died and had a white worm "thing" coming out of its side. 3 days later, another fish died with the same type of worm, but longer (probably 2 inches). In both cases it looks like this worm busted out of the fish, around the gills. I haven't taken them back to the store yet because 2 more look like they'll die soon as well. Water parameters are normal. I also noticed some of the gravel is turning brown but I have never had a problem with algae in the tank.

Any ideas? Maybe anchor worm?? I'm sure they came from the store with some sort of illness. The fish I already had seem fine.

Chief_waterchanger

Gill flukes is more than likely what it is: parasitic infection in the gills. Several medications are out on the market, para guard being one of them. The problem normally only arises from fish bought from bad quality tanks or wild caught fish. (dethco, deathsmart, etc)

Sue2

Thanks, I will pick some meds up tomorrow. How contagious is it?

I'm sure it's the store....the store I go to used to be good but has been bought out by a big chain and it didn't seem the same this time. I won't be going again, other than to return the dead fish!

Chief_waterchanger

It is insanely contagious. Isolate any equipment used on that tank to be sterilized before being used on other tanks. (boiling would be best sterilizer for the equipment) (boiling would actually kill the parasites, that is the reasoning for the boiling. Make sure all surfaces of the equipment are subjected to the boiling, if you choose to go that route.)

Thanks for being so willing to work to ensure fish health and quality of life!

Sue2

seriously?? crap! And I guess I have to drain the tank and scrub it??

COBettaCouple

that sucks. not as bad as fish tb, but that store really is giving their fish a bad start and not doing you any favors either.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...&N=2004+113016 - Clout might help if you can't find ParaGuard. I hope you'll be able to save them.