Chihuahua6
Premium Member
I wanted to share my story not to knock Live Aquaria in any way but to inform them of what I call "The Silent Killer," Flukes. Since my experience I have learned about this parasite that attacks otherwise healthy fish. Unfortunately it manifests itself after some time has passed so it was beyond my 14 day guarantee period.
I purchased three beautiful Yellow Pyramid Butterflies around the beginning of July. They were the medium size (2.5'-4") and arrived at close to 4". I was delighted to receive these beauties. They ate the next day and were the picture of perfect health. They recognized me after only two days and would swim to the front of the tank looking for food. I knew these were going to be my favorite fish.
After about six weeks one of them suddenly refused food and stayed at the top of the water on one side of the tank. I began some research and narrowed it down to what I thought may be Flukes. I ordered Parzipro from Foster and Smith and received it promptly. Once it arrived I dosed the quarantine tank they were in and by then the others came down with the same symptoms as well as head shaking.
Since the first fish had stopped eating for a couple of days I decided to freshwater dip him to alleviate his discomfort. Unfortunately I lost him due a powerhead accident in that tank.
The other two recovered but one of them developed a swim bladder problem during treatment. I believe it was due to either a secondary infection or the actual Flukes. He couldn't swim normally so I had to euthanize him.
The third fish recovered well and started to eat after two days of treatment with Prazipro. He is alive and well and has since been released to a display tank.
I have since learned that Butterflyfish and Angelfish are known to carry Flukes. I will now be treating all new Butterflies and Angels with Prazipro. Had I known what I know now I would still have these beauties. I thought Live Aquaria did Prazipro baths with some of their fish. I believe in another post they mentioned they did it with Angels. I feel Butterflies should be treated as well since they are known to carry it and mine definitely had it.
I hope you find this post helpful and informative to prevent future losses.
I purchased three beautiful Yellow Pyramid Butterflies around the beginning of July. They were the medium size (2.5'-4") and arrived at close to 4". I was delighted to receive these beauties. They ate the next day and were the picture of perfect health. They recognized me after only two days and would swim to the front of the tank looking for food. I knew these were going to be my favorite fish.
After about six weeks one of them suddenly refused food and stayed at the top of the water on one side of the tank. I began some research and narrowed it down to what I thought may be Flukes. I ordered Parzipro from Foster and Smith and received it promptly. Once it arrived I dosed the quarantine tank they were in and by then the others came down with the same symptoms as well as head shaking.
Since the first fish had stopped eating for a couple of days I decided to freshwater dip him to alleviate his discomfort. Unfortunately I lost him due a powerhead accident in that tank.
The other two recovered but one of them developed a swim bladder problem during treatment. I believe it was due to either a secondary infection or the actual Flukes. He couldn't swim normally so I had to euthanize him.
The third fish recovered well and started to eat after two days of treatment with Prazipro. He is alive and well and has since been released to a display tank.
I have since learned that Butterflyfish and Angelfish are known to carry Flukes. I will now be treating all new Butterflies and Angels with Prazipro. Had I known what I know now I would still have these beauties. I thought Live Aquaria did Prazipro baths with some of their fish. I believe in another post they mentioned they did it with Angels. I feel Butterflies should be treated as well since they are known to carry it and mine definitely had it.
I hope you find this post helpful and informative to prevent future losses.
