Fish Lice (Argulus)

Argulus is one of the hardest parasties to eridicate due to their resistance to many available chemicals.  Like Anchor Worm, Fish Lice have many life stages.  It leaves it's host to lay it's eggs - usually on plants if you have them in your pond, it then rejoins the fish.  This parasite is capable of causing significant damage, this is mainly down to the feeding activity - the constant piercing of the skin leaves the fish open to other dangers including ulcers and gill disease. Once it has penetrated the skin not only does it begin feeding but it also releases a toxin that attracts further lice to the same feeding spot causing irritation.  This sujects the fish to severe stress leaving it open to secondary parasitic infections such as Costia and White Spot.  It is the combined attack that often leads to fatalities.

Fish Lice are often introduced to the pond on frogs and toads.

Treatments such as Eradick, Pertassium Permanganate, Chloramine T and F-M-G Mixture can be effective in eradicating Fish Lice.