Dwarf Puffer with Suspected Anchor Worm
Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2015 7:24 pm
Hi!
New dwarf puffer (purchased 12/18/2015) has white strand hanging from dorsal fin (picture attached). Puffer is active and eating (frozen bloodworms daily, pond snails are in quarantine). The puffer is exhibiting some flashing (I think) but for the most part seems to be acting normal (scrounging for food, swimming up and down glass, exploring).
However, I'm new to puffers (and fishkeeping in general) so I'm not sure what normal behavior entails.
Tank details:
- temporary 3 gallon, cycled for a few months, heavily planted, 80 degrees
- ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate <5 ppm (checked this morning via liquid test kit, before water change)
- 50% water change this morning, Seachem prime added
- 1/2 TSP aquarium salt added (half yesterday, half today): Yesterday, the "worm" just looked like a white spot or ball on the fin. I asked my LFS what to do and was told to begin salt treatment.
I ordered Tetra Parasite Guard online today, expected to arrive by Thursday. My local stores do not have many options.
So, question is: does this appear to be an anchor worm and if so, can I treat the puffer with Tetra Parasite Guard? I know that for internal parasites its important to medicate the food; would it make more sense in this case to medicate the water? Any other thoughts?
Thank you so much for your time and consideration!
New dwarf puffer (purchased 12/18/2015) has white strand hanging from dorsal fin (picture attached). Puffer is active and eating (frozen bloodworms daily, pond snails are in quarantine). The puffer is exhibiting some flashing (I think) but for the most part seems to be acting normal (scrounging for food, swimming up and down glass, exploring).
However, I'm new to puffers (and fishkeeping in general) so I'm not sure what normal behavior entails.
Tank details:
- temporary 3 gallon, cycled for a few months, heavily planted, 80 degrees
- ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate <5 ppm (checked this morning via liquid test kit, before water change)
- 50% water change this morning, Seachem prime added
- 1/2 TSP aquarium salt added (half yesterday, half today): Yesterday, the "worm" just looked like a white spot or ball on the fin. I asked my LFS what to do and was told to begin salt treatment.
I ordered Tetra Parasite Guard online today, expected to arrive by Thursday. My local stores do not have many options.
So, question is: does this appear to be an anchor worm and if so, can I treat the puffer with Tetra Parasite Guard? I know that for internal parasites its important to medicate the food; would it make more sense in this case to medicate the water? Any other thoughts?
Thank you so much for your time and consideration!