How to Treat Parasites on African Cichlids
African cichlids can get sick just as any other pet can. They can suffer from bacterial or fungal infections or from parasites. Common parasites include leeches, anchor worms and lice. Just as a parasite can make any other living thing uncomfortable, they can make your cichlid uncomfortable as well. They can also kill your fish if they are not treated. You should take the time to ensure your fish do not become infected, and treat them immediately if they are.
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Instructions
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Observe your fish for signs of diseases. Watch for trouble breathing, decreased appetite, mucus covering the body, spots, sluggishness, visible worms, or your fish scratching itself on rocks, plants and gravel.
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Use a commercial parasite treatment based on the type of parasite that has infected your tank.
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Watch for signs of "ich." Look for white spots on your fish and your fish scratching itself against other objects. Do not quarantine the fish. Use a formalin and malachite green based commercial medication. Follow label instructions for dosing amount. Continue dosing your fish after symptoms have subsided for another four doses. Avoid temperature fluctuations that may cause flare-ups.
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Watch for signs of dropsy. Look for red scales and swelling that causes a pinecone effect. Remove the infected fish from the main tank and move it to a separate tank. Add 1/8 teaspoon of Epsom salts per 5 gallons of water. Repeat this treatment daily until symptoms improve.
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Watch for visible external parasites, such as anchor worms and leeches. Remove visible parasites from the fish using tweezers. Use a cotton swab soaked in mercurochrome to treat the infected site to prevent infection. Use a commercial copper remedy treatment according to package directions.
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Do a 30 percent water change weekly to prevent diseases and parasites. Allow new water to sit overnight so that it will dechlorinate. Ensure that the water temperature is the same as the current water to prevent shock to your fish. Use a vacuum siphon to clean the gravel or sand at the bottom of the tank. Clean any decorative ornaments or plants in the tank.
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Tips & Warnings
Dropsy is also called bloat. The internal organs of the fish swell up to the point that its scales stick out. Generally once your fish reaches this state it is difficult to save it, but you can treat them with Epsom salt.
Check with your local aquarium supply store for specifics on fish treatment. Some fish are sensitive to certain ingredients in medications and should be treated differently.
