Parasite found on Monument Dam’s fish
Some are concerned and others believe it is a natural cycle and that there is nothing to be worried about.
A common parasite was found on some of Monument Dam’s fish, but it might just be another natural cycle.
Two weeks ago, Neville Boardman examined the fish in the dam after they had started acting strangely.
Neville, a specialist in koi fish behaviour, health and living conditions for 12 years, took two big and two small fish to one of his filtered ponds at his home at the discretion of the Monument Fishing Club and started to treat them.
After consulting a friend and marine biologist Chris Fouché, Neville concluded the fish needed medical attention to remove the Argulus parasites he had found on the fish. Neville explained this parasite attacks the fish’s metabolism and slows it down.
“I am waiting for further information so that I can treat the entire dam’s fish,” Neville explained.
Attie Brits, president of the Fishing Club and member for 44 years, said the parasite is very common.
“We are not concerned about the parasite. They are very natural and will come and go as it rains more or less.”
Attie added that more fish were sent to Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital in Pretoria for further tests.
“We are doing tests on the water conditions as well.”
The fish would have been moved to private dams to make them more comfortable after their strange behaviour two weeks ago, but nature seemed to have cure itself as they swam back deeper. The Monument Fishing Club, along with Mogale City’s Department of Environmental Affairs are working together to ensure the health and wellbeing of Monument Dam and its fish, but Neville is still worried that the parasite will remain.
“The fish I treated are now parasite-free. I would like that for all of Monument Dam’s fish,” Neville said.
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