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Fish Lice
Type:
Parasitic
>> caused by fish lice, Argulus, a light green/brown,
translucent, shield-shaped crustacean up to 1/2 inch in
diameter
>> Argulus
feed by injecting digestive enzymes into the tissue using a
pre-oral sting and suck out the liquefied body matter with
their proboscis-like mouth
>>
this feeding activity irritates the fish greatly and can
result in localized inflammation of the skin, primarily
because of the piercing action of the sting
>>
bacterial infection of irritated areas can arise and cause
even bigger problems for the koi
Symptoms:
>> presence of fish lice (argulus) on the skin that look like
dark spots at first glance; argulus is one of
the very few fish parasites visible to the naked eye
>> rubbing of body against rocks and pond surfaces
in the early stages; lethargy in later stages
>> can be fatal if gills are infected
Remedies:
>> fish lice can be eradicated with repeated
treatments with organophosphates such as Masoten at 10-day
intervals
>>
some experts also recommend Dimilin
>>
repeated salt baths at high concentrations can also help
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