Lernea, also known as anchor worm, attaches itself to the skin of Koi. You will know when this parasite is attaching your Koi, for Lernea looks like a small piece of black string coming out of an irritated patch of scales. Lernea can be removed with a pair of tweezers, but be sure to disinfect the area with iodine or potassium permanganate. Lernea can lay hundreds of eggs, which take about two weeks to hatch in the summer. Lernea, like any other parasite, can cause a secondary infection like Aeromonas.
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