Fish louse (Argulus infestation)

If your fish has red sores, itchy skin definitely there's something fishy!

Argulus infestation is also known as Branchiuran infestation.
History includes itchy skin, red sores in wild-caught or pond-raised fish.
Physical examination by a veterianrian wil, show focal red lesions on skin; focal colour change especially darkened skin

Argulus is common on gold fish and koi and is also common in wild freshwater fish.

Argulus feeds itself by inserting the stylet into the hist and sucks body fluids with the proboscis like mouth. At this time the fish may show erratic swimming or other abnormalities in behaviour due to the stylet. The hooks, spines and repeated piercing on the skin of fish by Argulus may cause skin irritation and mechanical damage to the skin of fish

Diagnosis could be done by morphological examination of the louse.

Prevention is by avoiding egg contamination by using a disinfectant or bleaching powder to clean the tank. Thereafter leave the tank to dry for several days. Mechanical removal of the parasite is also possible but complete elimination of the parasite is not practical by this way. s a biological solution mosquitofish can be used in ponds.

Treatment:
1. Salt water treatment and changing water
2. Organophosphate prolonged immersion
3. Formalin bath
4. Potassium permanganate bath

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