https://www.chewy.com/education/fish/general/how-to-treat-gill-or-skin-flukes-on-your-tropical-fish
Gill and skin flukes are common parasites found in freshwater tropical fish, pond fish, and even marine species. Fish with skin flukes often show signs like clamped fins and an excess layer of mucus on their skin.
Those with gill flukes may have trouble breathing. However, it is important to understand that these flukes can affect both areas - gill flukes can appear on the skin, and skin flukes can invade the gills.
Symptoms such as labored breathing, clamped fins, and excess mucus can also indicate other health issues but the most accurate way to diagnose flukes is by performing a skin scrape or gill biopsy.
Monogenean flukes are parasites that can live and reproduce directly on fish without needing another host, this means they can quickly multiply and spread in a closed aquarium system.
Some flukes lay eggs, while others give birth to live young.Those that give birth can reproduce very rapidly, especially in warm water with poor quality, like high nitrogen levels or lots of organic waste.
To control these parasites, treatments like formalin, salt (for marine fish), organophosphates, praziquantel, mebendazole, and toltrazuril are commonly used. Remember to keep your tank clean and monitoring water quality can also help prevent outbreaks.
Chewy editorial team guides you in identifying these parasites, understanding their symptoms, and determining the best steps for diagnosis and treatment.
