If your fish are acting really weird, they may have Body and Gill Flukes

Skin and Gill Flukes, are fish parasites, sometimes called Shimmies. I think all parasites are bad, as they want to feast on your goldfish, and if in large numbers they will kill your family pet.

Skin and Gill Flukes, are small worm like parasites that have hooks on one end. They use these hooks to anchor themselves onto your goldfish, and begin feasting. They will crawl and wiggle all over your fish to find a better and tastier spot. And of course, the more parasites your goldfish has to deal with the more lesions and tissue damage your pet will have.

How do your goldfish get these parasites?

Your pet fish can get these horrid annoying parasites from overcrowding, unclean water, and Stress.

What are the symptoms of Skin and Gill Flukes?

Your fish’s behavior is the biggest ‘give away’ that something’s wrong. They will want to rub themselves up against any ornaments. They will also flash around the tank in a state of irritation, and who can blame them?

If the infestation continues your goldfish will become lethargic and in time will lie on the bottom of the fish tank with its fins pulled close to its body. If your fish act in this way, they are seriously sick.

How do we treat the problem?

1. Salt baths for 2-3 days will help. They’ll also help heal any lesions and wounds your fish may have.
2. Once you’ve finished with the salt bath treatment, you can try an ammonia compound product.
3. Malachite and Formalin can also be used.

Your family pet will be loved by everyone in your home. It’s best for your emotional health as well as the health of your goldfish to keep the water clean, click here for step by step instructions, and to prevent infection in the first place.

To find out more about other goldfish diseases, click on the problem in the following list: Ick, Fin Rot, Fungus, Constipation, Dropsy, Pop Eye, Anchor Worm, Fish Lice, Swim Bladder, Body and Gill Flukes, and Hole-in-the-head Disease.