parasites??

[Lundluvr]

Does anyone know what the black parasites (that looks like pepper)are. I see them alot on bluegill and perch. I'm told that they wont hurt you but would like to know what they are. What causes them, and if there is anything that can be done to a pond to get rid of them. Thanks for any info.

[Backwater Eddy]

I think I seen a article on the MN DNR site?

BE..>

[Chad]

About 2 years ago I read the DNR article BE is talking about. It stated that the actual parasite is a little white worm. The black marks are scars left by the parasite as it traveled thru the fish. Usually they are found in perch and sunfish. The black spots are not harmfull to eat just not pleasant looking. Use some lemon pepper and you'll never notice them.

[stewart]

Yup,a little worm that burrows into the skin. A cyst forms around it, the black spot is the result. Birds eat the fish and the worms procreate in their gut. The birds poop into the water and the beautiful cycle continues.

[EAGLE EYES]

Lundluvr, The black spots you are talking about are called "Neascus" It is a parasite which devolopes from plant life of lakes which contain higher than normal Phosphorus levels at one time or another. It then finds it's way to snails, fish and fish eating birds like Herons, Sea gulls ect... They are most commonly found in the fish species that inhabit weedy sructure like the Sunfish family and Pike family. Weed dwelling perch commonly have them as well. They are not harmful to man nor can human's be infested by them. The parasite usually is contained within the skin of fish therfore, skinning the fish will rid of nearly all of it. Cooking the fish will kill the rest. Nothing to worry about here Neascus has been around for a long time and will be around when we are gone as well.

[EAGLE EYES]

Stewart, The white worm that you are talking about is completely different from the black spots. The White worm is called "Triaenphorus". It is found in the back muscles of fish. It first developes in an immature stage in bait fish like Tullibee, Shad ect... Then when eaten by larger predators like Walleye, Northerns ect... The worm then developes into an adult stage in their intestines. This worm is not Harmful to human's and is killed by the heat of cooking the fish. Hope this solved the mystery! EE

[Pooch]

I thought parasites were little worms that put there spam ads on this site. ie "starman"
Sorry, I couldn't resist.
Pooch

[stewart]

Your right Eagle Eyes, my post after the other one is confusing. To me a little worm is a little worm, but I guess that's being as specific as saying little brown bird ;).

This is from Canadian Sportfishing,Spring Issue, 1990:

"The spots contain an immature flatworm. This larva belongs to a group called the stigeoid flukes...even though we commonly refer to 'black spot' as a single disease, in different fish the infection may be caused by different flukes.

Fish eating birds host an intestinal worm whose eggs fall into the water with the birds' droppings. After the eggs hatch, the immature larvae find their way into the intestinal tract of a snail. Several weeks later the larvae mature into a more advaced form and leave the snail. They attach themselves beneath the scale of a fish.

Each larva will then form a protective cyst around itself. The fish, in reaction to this irritation, will surround the cyst with black pigment cells.... This cyst is extremely resistant and may survive for several years.

The cycle is completed when the fish-eating bird eats an infested fish."

How to get rid of it was part of the original question, and I guess the answer would be in breaking the cycle somehow. Perhaps by keeping the infected fish you catch?

[EAGLE EYES]

You are absolutely correct Stewart, Keeping the infected fish will help break the chain. Cleaner waterway's with up to date wastewater facilities are very helpful as well. This includes lake shore owner's with modern septic sytems and holding tanks. I know it has helped tremendously on lots of lakes in my area. There are many more issues surrounding cleaner water but those that I mentioned are most easily corrected. When the water is cleaner Mother nature can help take care of the rest, with natural filtering. Interesting topic, Glad to share my opinion. Good luck and may the fish be with you! EE

[cmb]

in my experience/research this "black spot" parasite are very common in healthy ecosystems. they are not an indication of poor water quality!!

[jim c]

open season on herons,been looking for a excuse for that..

[stewart]

True, but I think the point about the fertilizer is that it helps create a 'snail-friendly' environment.More snails, more black spots.Just my guess...

[stewart]

The other post was suppossed to be a comment under CMB's valid point.Sorry 'bout messing up the thread.

[EAGLE EYES]

Yes, Your right! there are many cases of very healthy waterways containing this parasite. But the overall focus and cause of this particular worm, was started by water with an excess of nutrients at one time or another. Cleaner water will not rid a lake or other body of water immediately, it takes time. I like Jim's theory though! I wouldn't have any problem pluggin away a few Sea gulls myself:-)