| Gyrodactylus | Dactylogyrus | |
| Identifying features | 1 pair of large hooks on the tail. | Multiple small hooklets on the tail.“Eye-spots” visible. |
| Mode of reproduction | Viviparous (developing embryo with large hooks may be visible inside). | Produce eggs (golden brown vitelline bodies seen in the body). |
| Life-cycle | No stage of the lifecycle is free of the host and parasite numbers can build up on the host fish extremely rapidly. | Eggs are laid into the water and hatch to release a free-living oncomiracidium that actively seeks out a host. |
| Management/treatment | Single treatment will suffice. | Multiple treatments required. |
What’s the difference between a skin fluke and a gill fluke?
