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Found flukes & chilodonella in my turtle's tank water. Should I worry?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My African sideneck turtle is not experiencing symptoms but I took a water sample from his tank. Under the microscope I found possibly flukes and chilodonella. Should I be worried?

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on August 17th, 2017

The first image certainly could show a fluke, however I really can't make out the second. To be honest you will expect to find some parasites in the water, what would be more significant would be parasites on a faeces indicating internal infection. Even still most animals have a degree of parasite burden. I wouldnt worry about the chilo as it is a protozoa more effecting fish. You can treat the fluke as in some cases a high burden causes disease, but if there are no clinical signs I would not think it is desperately required. I would be inclined to keep a close eye for now.

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