It's a matter of Breeding

["Maladorno, Dionigi \(DRUG;Nutley\)" <DIONIGI.MALADORNO@roche.com>]

"Pollowy, Richard" <rpollowy@INTEGRACAP.com>
wrote: <<<<Subject: "It's a matter of Breeding" (...)
The aformentioned Bolivian Rams (Microgeophagus Altispinosa) seem to
have a case of worm/nematodes.  Symptoms: tiny red pin shaped "spikes"
hanging out their anus and have clamped fins.  I've tried Hexamite
unsuccessfully and a deworming medication with pellets and frozen brine
shrimps.  I actually removed several with a tiny pair of tweezers.  All
remedies aside, they still have these damn worms sticking out their
butts!!!!  WHAT CAN I DO?>>>>>

Your diagnosis seems right. As Erik mentioned, piperazine (available
also for aquarium use from, if I am not wrong, Aquatronics) is one
choice.
Another simple approach is to use Fluke-Tabs, one tablet/10 gal only
once (repeted treatments or higher doses may not be well tolerated.
Lower doses may be ineffective). I wrote a paper on discus diseases
(available in AWMagazine, on the Web) where I also give info on
flubenol, which is another possibility. The Tetra medicated food or
metronidazole on the contrary will be ineffective.

Some Discus keepers mix garlic extract with their beefheart, because it
seems effective in repelling nematodes out of the guts of the fishes
that eat it. It's not 100% proven, but it causes no harm and some people
(including myself) do not mind to use it. I never tried it on apistos,
but I wonder if they would accept flakes or tetra bits soked in a
diluted garlic extract (you seem quite gastronomically oriented in your
post, and maybe you are the right men who can give a try!)
.
Another opinion: FORGET ABOUT THE TWEEZERS!

Let us know how things go. Bye

Dionigi