Angler's Guide to Fish Diseases and Parasites - University of Georgia

Gills swollen and pinkThere are a number of gill parasites infectingfish. They are microscopic and only thedamage they cause is observed by the fisherman.Some of these parasites are gill flukesand a number of Protozoan species. Chemicalsin the water can also irritate the gills andpresent the same symptoms. Unless chemicalsare suspected, the fish is edible. Cleanand prepare as usual.Thread-like red worm extending from theanus.Roundworms can be found throughout theintestines. They sometimes can be seenextending from the anus. An infected fish isedible. Clean and prepare as usual.Worm-like animal attached to the body,head, fins, or gills.Leeches are blood-sucking animals that leavea circular wound after they have dropped offthe fish. An infected fish is edible. Clean andprepare as usual.Small, red pustual with red thread-like bodyprotruding from wound at the base of scaleor on or near the base of fins.Anchor Worm is an appropriate name for thisparasitic copepod. It buries its anchorshapedhead into the flesh and allows itsbody to hang free of the wound. An infectedfish is edible. Clean and prepare as usual.Small, bloody areas at the base or under thescales of a fish.Fish Louse are microscopic copepods rarelyseen by fishermen. They feed on the bloodby piercing. the skin. The bites can becomeinfected. An infected fish is edible. Cleanand prepare as usual.