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 Library > Diseases and Medications > Internal Problems > Emaciated Discus and Capillaria Worms |
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Emaciated Discus and Capillaria Worms | |
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Capillaria 
Photo 2: Capillaria spp. in a mount of gut contents.
Capillaria is a nematode worm, an internal parasite, usually found in the intestines. It is usually contracted through ingestion (eating) of the worm eggs. It is usually introduced into the aquarium from infected fish. Fish can harbor this parasite in small numbers without showing signs, or the fish may grow slowly, as the parasite is using some of the nutrients in the intestines before the fish does. When a fish is under stress, this parasite may take advantage of the situation and multiply heavily. At this stage the fish may stop eating, stay by themselves, and become emaciated. Sometimes the feces will be yellow. 
Photo 3: Capillaria eggs in droppings, size 50-60u.
A more definite diagnosis can be made with a microscope examining the feces for capillaria eggs. The capillaria worm itself may be longer than 1/2 inch, but thinner than a hair and sometimes are called "hairworms" (Untergasser, 1989). Treatments may include:
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