I have a newly acquired Necturus that has small, white, thread-like worms on it's body. They creep along like an inch worm, and have a VERY strong mouth when they clamp on. Brushing them off is impossible. The worms prefer to attach more permanently on the gills. As a result of the worms, the Necturus is bleeding out and having a hard time breathing. The blood starts, then clots. In one day, it may have bled 7 times.
I've tried a salt dip (4 different amounts), and have used precise tweezers to no avail. There are too many worms in the gills to try to pull them off one-by-one. They can squirm out of the tweezer's grasp, making it further impossible. I noted the worms will elongate in the table salt dip, but do not dislodge. It is impossible to remove the worms while in the salt dip, as the Necturus wants out! I removed a few worms to see what it takes for them to die.
In Isopropyl 91%, they died on contact.
In fresh water, they wriggle but do not swim. This is their preferred habit.
In salt water, they wriggle frantically (we're getting closer!)
In salt water, with an added amount of table salt on top of them, the worms died within seconds.
Aquarium salt and sea salt did nothing.
Has anyone ever had this issue, or a similar issue with thread worms or flukes? I am unsure what to do, and fluke medication (pretty sure it is a type of fluke) is not available near me. I have looked and looked for ideas, and cannot find any. Thanks for any help!
I've tried a salt dip (4 different amounts), and have used precise tweezers to no avail. There are too many worms in the gills to try to pull them off one-by-one. They can squirm out of the tweezer's grasp, making it further impossible. I noted the worms will elongate in the table salt dip, but do not dislodge. It is impossible to remove the worms while in the salt dip, as the Necturus wants out! I removed a few worms to see what it takes for them to die.
In Isopropyl 91%, they died on contact.
In fresh water, they wriggle but do not swim. This is their preferred habit.
In salt water, they wriggle frantically (we're getting closer!)
In salt water, with an added amount of table salt on top of them, the worms died within seconds.
Aquarium salt and sea salt did nothing.
Has anyone ever had this issue, or a similar issue with thread worms or flukes? I am unsure what to do, and fluke medication (pretty sure it is a type of fluke) is not available near me. I have looked and looked for ideas, and cannot find any. Thanks for any help!