Gillworms
Gill flukes or Dactylogyrus are parasites that mainly nest on the gills of koi. The gill worm is therefore a very dangerous parasite that does not grow larger than 0.1 to 0.3 mm. A human hair is about 0.05 mm thick. In appearance, the gill worm resembles the skin worm or Gyrodactylus. Therefore, they are close relatives of each other. However, the skin worm is larger (0.3 to 0.5 mm) and is viviparous. The gill worm lays eggs. Both the gill and skin worm fall under the group of Trematodes.
Gillworm is fish species-specific. For example, a gill worm that lives on a koi does poorly on a sturgeon. Still, it is possible for the gill worm to endure for a while on another fish species. Especially if it lacks species-specific hosts. However, it will then not be able to become an infestation so quickly.
Usually the gill worm is carried by new fish or by birds drinking from the water. The gill worm is easily identified by the worm part sticking out of the fish.
Treating and preventing gill flukes
In response to infection with gill flukes, fish produce extra mucus which can be suffocating. Symptoms of infection with gill flukes include holding one gill closed, accelerated breathing, shaking of the head, swimming backwards and rubbing of the gills.
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Gill worms must always be treated TWO times because the eggs of these worms cannot be treated with drugs
Gill worms are well treated with anti-worm remedies. A double treatment is recommended, because the eggs of the worm cannot be treated with drugs. When the eggs hatch, the second treatment should be done.
Of course, preventing gill flukes is always better. A good resistance of the fish is very important to fight gill flukes. Good quality food is very important for this. Another cause can be poor water quality, or possibly too many fish in the pond. A good filter equipped with activated carbon offers a solution because this carbon can purify all kinds of micro-fine particles from the water. It also filters out various pathogens.
