Flukes in tank

[yUwEn]

Hi all, if a tank doesnt have any fish, will flukes die?

 

[LisaMarie]

Yes. Flukes cannot survive in a fallow (empty) tank. Some species can survive longer than others. Heres some more info about flukes:Thread 'Flukes – General Guidelines' https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/flukes-%E2%80%93-general-guidelines.224423/

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hi all, if a tank doesnt have any fish, will flukes die?

Every parasite has a life cycle and and needs a host fish to continue its reproduction cycle which is why we have Fallow periods (fishless) so that the life cycle is ended

 

[MnFish1]

Every parasite has a life cycle and and needs a host fish to continue its reproduction cycle which is why we have Fallow periods (fishless) so that the life cycle is ended

There is an exception to this Uronema does not require a host.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Uronema is a ciliated protozoa that live freely in marine environment eating bacteria But will attach to a weakened fish and feed off their internal organs and muscles and reproduce. Uronema marinum is classified as a saltwater parasite with a different behavior opposed to cyst type but bears similar symptoms. QT breaks their cycle of producing these flesh eating bacteria

 

[MnFish1]

Uronema is a ciliated protozoa that live freely in marine environment eating bacteria But will attach to a weakened fish and feed off their internal organs and muscles and reproduce. Uronema marinum is classified as a saltwater parasite with a different behavior opposed to cyst type but bears similar symptoms. QT breaks their cycle of producing these flesh eating bacteria

Yes - the point was leaving a tank fallow does not remove Uronema. Uronema is not a bacteria. The good news is that Uronema seems to rarely attack healthy fish, as compared to weakened one. There are often questions 'If I have uronema, do I need to completely sterilize and tear down/disinfect my tank. The answer is no. The answer is also - that it can remain in your tank - and thereafter, even fish that have been quarantined can be infected - depending on the conditions.

"Uronema marinum - No fallow period, as it does not require a fish host to survive. It is an opportunistic parasite that strikes when a fish’s immune system has been compromised. Uronema mainly affects damsels (especially chromis) and clownfish."

 

[vetteguy53081]

This person has flukes/fluke concern and youre discussing uronema?
Opportunistic it is and you dont leave fish in the tank and wait for it to consume them too.
Im done talking uronema - I think concerned person got the answer looking for- Not a debate as always

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Hi all, if a tank doesnt have any fish, will flukes die?

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

Flukes cannot survive without a fish host, but the length of time this takes varies between species of fluke. The free swimming fluke larva will die within 3 days if there is not host. Without a host fish, the larva will not turn into adults. However, some flukes lay eggs. The most common of these is Neobenedenia. Reportedly, the eggs from this species can take up to 12 days to hatch. With 12+3 = 15, it would seem that 15 days would be the longest needed to clear a tank of flukes. However, I've had cases where they lasted longer than that. I know advise people to wait 30 days with no fish in a tank to ensure the flukes are cleared.

Jay