Posted by Naomi_Delventhal on March 20, 2003 at 09:33:20:
In Reply to: Re: goby parasite? posted by will21 on March 19, 2003 at 20:49:21:
I think your shrimp goby has flukes. Catch him and place him in a clean plastic bucket (or small aquarium - transparent sides are an advantage) with clean aerated freshwater of the same temperature and pH as the marine tank. Let him sit in there for 3-8 minutes. Be sure to return him to saltwater if he starts to show signs of extreme stress such as loss of balance; in my experience, however, Cryptocentrus leptocephalus (which is usually sold captive bred) is very tolerant of freshwater baths. In freshwater (a hypotonic solution) the fluke(s) will turn white and gradually fall off - they are likely to be about 3 mm long with a sucker that is easily visible under a low power microscope. Be careful when returning the goby - DO NOT return the freshwater or the flukes to the saltwater tank, as they may still survive and find a host.
Hope this helps,
Naomi Delventhal
