Can Fish Transfer Parasites Turtles?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Fish also can be a good source of calcium for turtles, as long as they eat the entire fish, bones and all. However,

recently feeder fish have been implicated as carriers of parasites and bacteria that can infect the pet turtles that eat them

.

Can you out turtles with fish?


Fish and turtles can live in the same tank together

, provided several of the following factors are on point. Your aquarium tank is large enough to accommodate both turtles and fish. Your filter is strong enough to accommodate the extra load that fish will put on your water quality.

How do turtles get parasites?

The majority of problems with parasites in turtles occur

when the turtle is kept closely with other turtles or when his housing conditions are not sanitary

. A nematode can infect your turtle when he ingests the tiny eggs of the roundworm that have been left in the environment through the feces of an infected turtle.

Can humans get worms from turtles?

Can humans get worms from tortoises?

No, the types of worms that tortoises suffer from are not a risk to people

, but you should obviously wash your hands thoroughly when cleaning out, handling or feeding your tortoise.

Do turtles need deworming?

While dewormers are prescribed for most internal parasites,

it is unwise to try to deworm your turtle without consulting a vet as wrong dosages can kill the turtle

. The right dosage is calculated using the turtle’s weight. Tapeworms and flukes are generally treated with praziquantel or fenbendazole.

Will a turtle eat a goldfish?


Yes, turtles eat goldfish

, who are often kept in turtle tanks as feeder fish. However, goldfish have spiny bones that can damage your pet turtle’s throat and intestines when gobbled up. Likewise, goldfish also have fat content, which isn’t necessarily good for your turtles.

Can a turtle and a goldfish live together?

Can turtles live with goldfish?

Turtles and goldfish are never a good mix up

. Even if your turtle doesn’t eat the goldfish, it will certainly harm it. Goldfish are slow and clumsy fish, putting them in a tank with turtles will most likely end with the death of the fish.

What kind of fish do turtles not eat?

  • Goldfish.
  • Rosy Red minnows.
  • Carp.
  • Gizzard Shad.
  • Feathered minnows.

How do I know if my tortoise has parasites?

Symptoms of tortoise parasites include

loss of appetite, diarrhoea or general signs of being unwell

. If you spot any of these symptoms – or you have any concerns about a sick tortoise – speak to a specialist reptile vet.

Can aquatic turtles get mites?

When the infestation is bad, you’ll see a lot of them clustered on the turtle’s skin, especially around the eyes and nose.

You may also notice them floating in the water after bathing your turtle

… or on your hands after handling him—Yuck! If your box turtle seems lethargic, you should also check for mites.

How do you get rid of parasites in a turtle tank?

Can you put a turtle in a fish tank with fish?

Can A Turtle Go In A Fish Tank?

Yes, turtles can absolutely go in a fish tank

. In fact, for the vast majority of turtle owners out there, a fish tank is probably going to be the easiest habitat to place them in. There’s a bunch of reasons for this, as fish tanks are: nice to look at, easy to set-up and easy to acquire.

What fish can live with a turtle?

There are three kinds of fish that will fit in the fish tank together with the most common pet turtle. They are

tetra fish, zebrafish, yellow cichlids

. For those who have never put a fish in a turtle tank, it’s recommended that you start with a small amount of tetra or zebrafish. Both species are cheap.

Can turtles live in a tank full of water?


Aquatic turtles can live in a tank or pond, in groups, and with larger fish

(they’ll eat small fish). These guys are strong swimmers and need an aquarium that’s at least 55 gallons in volume.

What turtles carry bacteria?

Turtles can carry

Salmonella germs

in their droppings, even while looking healthy and clean. These germs can easily spread to their bodies, tank water, and habitats. People can get sick after they touch a turtle or anything in their habitats.

Do all tortoises have worms?

Worms are a fact of life for tortoises;

every tortoise carries its own complement of parasitic worms

. When in good condition and good health, these worms are not a problem; but as soon as the tortoise is stressed or hibernating, its natural immunity is compromised and internal parasites can take hold.

How do you deworm a turtle?

Once worms have been observed in the feces, you can now positively say that other tortoises in the same enclosure have been infected. The treatment for pinworms can vary, but a recommended dewormer is

Panacur (fenbendazole)

. This is an oral dose at 50 to 100 mg/kg of weight every 2 to 3 weeks.

Why are there tiny worms in my turtle tank?


Worms like detritus and planaria are the result of a dirty tank

. So yes, if you are seeing these white wriggly worms in your tank, it means that you aren’t performing enough water changes. Dirty filters, unclean driftwoods, and accumulation of organic waste are the reasons behind worms in a turtle tank.

Does my turtle have parasites?


Gastrointestinal parasites, such as roundworms, are common in pet turtles

. In many cases, parasitic infections do not cause any clinical signs; they are detected on a routine fecal examination. With severe infection, parasites may cause diarrhea or weight loss and may require treatment.

How do I get rid of parasites in my tortoise?

The most commonly prescribed medicine to treat worms in tortoises that is effective is

Panacur (Fenbendazole)

. This deals with most of the common species of worms, although it doesn’t kill their eggs. Therefore ongoing treatment is usually needed until every trace of hatched worms has been eradicated.

Why did my turtle eat my fish?

First, the turtles are eating the fish

because fish are food, not friends

. Turtles are omnivores and fish make up part of their natural diet. There’s absolutely nothing you can do to stop it other than separating them from each other. You cannot train turtles to treat food as anything but food.

How long can a turtle go without eating?


A young turtle (less than six months old) can’t go a day without eating

. A so-called “sub-adult” turtle (six months to one year old) can’t go more than a day without eating. An adult turtle should eat, on average, every 2-3 days.

Will turtles eat big fish?

Also, turtles are more likely to hunt fish that are smaller than they are. As such,

it’s best to go for large fish such as koi fish and suckerfish

. Also, the enclosure needs to be large enough to accommodate both the turtle and the fish.

Can turtles live with betta fish?


No, you cannot keep a betta fish and turtle together even if it’s temporary

. If you try to put a betta fish with any type of turtle species, odds are that your fish won’t last even the week. The reasons why you can’t keep a betta fish with a turtle include diet, space, and water parameters.

Can guppies live with turtles?

3 Answers. Show activity on this post.

You can try guppies but chances are your turtles will eat them, however if you add enough plants for them to hide in they may survive

. Another easy way is to just scoop out the larvae with a small fish net.

Can a baby turtle live with fish?

If you’d like to add a few fish to your turtle’s habitat but aren’t sure if pet turtles can live with fish, the answer is yes.

Pet turtles can live in harmony with fish, with a few exceptions.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.