tweezers for anchor worms?

Question

i have many anchor worms in my tank. i used medicine, it worked, but the big anchor worms still won't go. u think i can use a pair of twezers or use finger to take it out of the fish? i have a large mollie, a medium platy, and a neon that has big anchor fish on gills. i have more, but they are all gone on them.

and, if i do anything to the tank that includes me touching the water in the tank, will i be affected?

if i use them to get them out, will they bleed to death or something like that?...to death?

Answer 1

Tweezers will work, make sure to grab the worm close to the fish and pull smoothly so it doesn't break. See photo in link for technique. If you have a medication with potassium permanganate, it you touch the worm with a bit of this on the tip of a swab, it will usually let go on its own.

Answer 2

Yes, you can and should remove the larger worms using tweezers. Pull them off gently so the entire worm comes off. You can't be harmed by them and are at no risk placing your hands in the tank of from touching the worms. Be sure to continue your treatment for several days after you have seen the last worm as more can hatch and reinfect your fish. If you have been treating for a few days and some worms are still alive, you might want to swap treatments. Clout is an excellent treatment for anchor worms and will clear it up in just a very few days.

ADDITION: No, they won't bleed much at all. It's perfectly safe for the fish. No worries, it really is the best thing to do.

MM

Answer 3

Yes you may. I have performed this (mostly with goldfish) for my customers. First put a little Neosporin on the area around the worm. Then cradle the fish as gently as possible and very gently remove the parasite. If it is too hard too remove (it takes too much force), stop and treat the fish with a direct dose of Methylene Blue or Mebromine and try again later.

Make sure to have a healthy environment for your fish so as to not have a re-infection.
Clout or other medications containing Trichlorfon are effective for treatment however caution should be use with silver fish such as tinfoil barbs.
Good water parameters, good feeding procedures, regular water changes, a proper KH and GH will all help with prevention. Medicated Wonder Shells are an excellent preventative for this as well.

For more medication information, please read this article:
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquarium_Medication.html

Answer 4

I amnot sure but I sure hope you get them out!