StephMan71
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Leeches from the subclass Hirudinea are worms that feed on the blood of their hosts. An infection with these parasites can be diagnosed either through round, bloody skin lesions or through direct observation of attached leeches. Hirudinea can be differentiated from other parasites like copepods or the parasitic monogenean flatworms through their large sucker mouth and their tapered, segmented body.
The main tank has to be freed from leeches since they can reproduce in the aquarium. According to anecdotal evidence the addition of cleaner wrasses and shrimp can be sufficient to achieve eradication of the leeches as well as quick relief for the affected fish and no other treatment is necessary. Should this be insufficient the use of anthelmintics or leaving the tank shallow for prolonged times might be the only options.
An additional quick and proven treatment for heavily infested fish is a short pH and temperature adjusted freshwater bath followed by quarantine. The leeches usually let go of their hosts due to the osmotic shock and keeping the fish in quarantine helps to prevent a re-infestation. Furthermore the quarantine helps to identify eventual wound infections early and makes treatment easier.
The main tank has to be freed from leeches since they can reproduce in the aquarium. According to anecdotal evidence the addition of cleaner wrasses and shrimp can be sufficient to achieve eradication of the leeches as well as quick relief for the affected fish and no other treatment is necessary. Should this be insufficient the use of anthelmintics or leaving the tank shallow for prolonged times might be the only options.
An additional quick and proven treatment for heavily infested fish is a short pH and temperature adjusted freshwater bath followed by quarantine. The leeches usually let go of their hosts due to the osmotic shock and keeping the fish in quarantine helps to prevent a re-infestation. Furthermore the quarantine helps to identify eventual wound infections early and makes treatment easier.
