Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Parasite on a LMB - How big of an issue?

While fishing this past weekend, I caught a LMB with what appeared to have a parasite (worm) just at the surface near the caudal fin area. I had a folding box blade in my pocket, stuck the parasite, popped it right out, and released the fish. This is the only fish I've ever caught out of my pond that had any kind of parasite. Is this a common occurrence, can it be ID'd, and should I be concerned?
Charlie

If you don't see it often I wouldn't worry about. And typically fsh are able to handle light infestations. Could be a similar species to the yellow grubs that burrow into the flesh of fish. Howver it coud also be part of the cycle of some freshwater clams.

If it's similar to the grub cycle it involves a snail and a fish eating bird like the Great Blue Heron. Keep the herons out and the incidences may disappear in a few years. If you don't have redears already they will control the snails and hopefully the parasite.

If it was me I'd anestisize the fish with a little clove oil in a bucket and then cut it out with a sterilized scalpel or pocket knife. Then release the fish. If you really want to get thorough, pet stores have an antibiotic ointment you can put on the spot you made your cut.

Do some checking on the Koiphen site. Don't be afraid to ask even though your fish is not a koi. You'd be amazed at what knowledge those people have in taking care of their high value koi.

If you see it again keep the parasite and get a good large scale pic.

Thanks, I did stock RES...200 originally. If I see a re-occurrence, I will try to get a better pic.

Depending on the size of the pond, you might want to try and stock more. Up here, I put in 20%-25% of the BG amount as RES.

esshup,
The pond is a li'l over 1/2 a surface acre. I started out with 400 BG and 200 RES back during the summer of '14.

Throwing more in wouldn't hurt, but with the size of the LMB in there, stocking fish that they wouldn't eat would get expensive.