Camallanus are visible as red thread-like worms extending from the anal opening. Female worms release live larvae into the water, which are ingested by tankmates.
📊 Key Facts
Causative Agent
Camallanus cotti (nematode)
Primary Host
Livebearers, cichlids, tropical species
Treatment
✗ None
Vaccine
✗ None / Experimental
🩺 Clinical Signs
Red worms visible at anus, weight loss despite normal appetite, distended abdomen, mortality in fry.
💊 Treatment
⚠️ No universally approved treatment is currently available. The information below covers supportive care and experimental approaches.
Levamisole (2 mg/L bath, repeat in 7 days). Fenbendazole in food.
🛡️ Prevention
ℹ️ Prevention is the most effective strategy for managing this disease in aquaculture and aquarium settings.
Quarantine new fish. Deworm suspicious imports proactively.