How Does a Fish Get Parasites?

How Do Fish Get Parasites?

In general, fish get parasites because of a poor living environment. These problems can occur due to water quality that is poor, overcrowding, stress or a poor diet. As a result, the best way to prevent these problems is to ensure that the living environment for fish is ideal. Good control of water quality and a proper diet will help keep most fish parasite-free. When this is not enough, adding antibiotics to the water may help the fish. If fish do get infected by parasites, it is important to identify the parasite before beginning treatment.

Protozoan Parasites

Protozoa are the most common type of parasites that can infect fish. Protozoa are small, single-celled organisms that can live on their own in the water. These parasites can get into the living environment due to the introduction of contaminated water or from debris which falls into the water. Because protozoa often can reproduce on their own without infecting fish, it is possible for their numbers to get very high in a fish pond. Protozoa can be divided up into myxozoans, coccidia, microsporidia, flagellates and ciliates. The first three are especially difficult to control or eliminate.

Other Parasites

One type of parasite is called a trematode, which is also known as a flatworm. These parasites attach to the gills and skin of the fish. Nematodes are another kind of parasite, which are commonly called roundworms. They can infect any fish organ and can prevent that organ from functioning properly. Cestodes, also known as tapeworms, tend to infect the digestive tract and can cause the fish to become malnourished. Finally, some types of crustacea can also be parasites and will attach to the outside of the fish.