Description

Gill flukes can be the most destructive of all parasites known to fresh water fish, which can only be seen under microscope.
They gather in groups at the opening of the gills and feed on the tender tissue. Left unchecked, flukes can cause bacterial gill disease and make it almost impossible for the fish to dissolve oxygen into the blood through the gills. They actually carry harmful bacteria that penetrates into the skin and gills , resulting in formation of ulcer disease.
Head hanging and gasping for air along with flashing may indicate the presence of gill flukes due to depletion of Oxygen for the fish.