Gill + body flukes are flatworm parasites (Dactylogyrus = gill, Gyrodactylus = body) that latch onto fish gills + skin. Cause irritation, scratching, and respiratory distress.
Almost always from unquarantined fish. Flukes reproduce rapidly in warm water; one infested fish can spread to a tank in days.
Always treat in a separate quarantine tank.
Quarantine all new fish. Treat with prophylactic praziquantel during QT.
Rapid gill movement. Flashing or scratching against rocks. Excess mucus production.
Almost always from unquarantined fish. Flukes reproduce rapidly in warm water; one infested fish can spread to a tank in days.
PraziPro (praziquantel): Standard treatment - safe for most reef + freshwater livestock. 7-day course, 50% water change between doses. Highly effective against most fluke species.
Quarantine all new fish. Treat with prophylactic praziquantel during QT.
Moderate - fatal in heavy infestations
Browse the full disease database for 45 aquarium conditions with treatment protocols, or check the care library for prevention-focused husbandry guides. Use our symptom matcher to rank likely diseases from observed signs, the water parameter checker to diagnose related water-quality issues, or the QT timeline calculator to plan a treatment schedule.