Symptoms of Parasite Load
Stringy white feces, hollow belly despite eating, weight loss, listless swimming, scratching against décor.
Many fish are asymptomatic carriers. Periodic prophylactic treatment is wise.
Common Medications
Fenbendazole (Panacur): broad-spectrum, treats most worm types. Dose 0.1g per 10 gallons in food.
Levamisole: targets nematodes (camallanus worms). Dose per product label.
Praziquantel: targets flatworms, gill flukes, tapeworms.
- ✦Soak food in medication — better delivery than water dosing
- ✦Treat for 3 consecutive days, repeat in 2 weeks to catch new hatchlings
- ✦Some fish (loaches, mormyrids) are sensitive to certain dewormers — research first
When to Deworm
New fish during quarantine — always.
Established tanks every 6-12 months as preventive maintenance.
Any time you see characteristic symptoms.
Camallanus Worms (Special Case)
Red, stringy worms protruding from anus. Common in livebearers (guppies, mollies).
Levamisole HCl is the only effective treatment. Repeat every 14 days for 3 cycles to break life cycle.