Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Help Parasites in my Bass....

We see this condition quite frequently in smaller, nutrient rich ponds that are usually over crowded with bass or bluegill. Bass will harbor a variety of intestinal parasites while often a high percentage of the bluegill will have Philometra present, a nematode that invades their eyes. Keep in mind most of these parasites are always present in varying degrees of abundance. Fish densities coupled with the nutrient load seems to be the culprit in our experience. Aeration as Greg mentioned is a good option as well as bacteria treatments to reduce the nutrient cycle. The birds are a part of coastal life- fun to watch but complicate water quality when rookeries become established.