"De-worming" marine fishes

[JTheed]

It seems a common statement in books on marine keeping is that many animals, being wild-caught, can have fairly signifigant internal parisite loads. Even though I doubt most of them are affected much and they likely strike an equilibrium it's got to take at least some small toll on the animal.

So this got me wondering: it's getting to be fairly common practice to dip corals and critters to eliminate many extrnal parasites, has anyone begun de-worming their new fish?

I know there are several products used in mammals, and that de-worming is common practice with companion animals (both the reduce the nutrient load 'stolen' and also in large part to prevent spread to owners). Is there anything on this subjectbeing examined or done? I'm driven more by idle curiosity than anything else, but I think it could be interesting.

 

[c.rob]

A great dewormer is Praziquantile. It is available in Gel Tek fish food. For some great info on this check out RS sponsor Marine Depot forums. Specifically Kelly J. in the fish health forum.

 

[BigJay]

Will a good freshwater dip get rid of any of the nasty parasites?

 

[snorvich]

A freshwater dip will have no effect on internal parasites. It has a positive effect on some external parasites but not all fish can deal with it.

 

[ann83]

De-worming wild caught specimens is common practice with experienced seahorse keepers. The usual meds used are praziquantel, metronidazole, and/or fenbendizole.

 

[Ephraim]

all the above ingredients are in Ultra Cure PX by Geltek, excellent product. Mixing some metro with the food always works too, but this gel food makes it one step easy. Deworming is always a good idea with all W/C animals.

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

I treat all incoming fish in a QT with praziquantinel and copper.

 

[DNickell]

What is a good source for the dewormer? Brand names other than "Ultra Cure PX"? (Is that Rx?) Would it be available from a pharmacist for perhaps less?

For fish already well established in a display tank, can they be safely dewormed without harm to other reef co-habitants? (Well, except for the internal parasites...)