Anchor Worms???

My spotted pleco is infested with some kind of worms! Just noticed them as he is somewhat reclusive. He is housed in a 55gl malawi cichlid tank, and all other fish are worm free so far. There have been no new fish added in many months, and we do weekly water changes of 20% with bi-monthly of 50%. The only chemicals we add to the tank are dechlorinator. Our tank Ph is steady at about 7.8, the temp is 79F, and all other levels are in the safe ranges. Please let me know if you know what these are I am about to begin a teatment for parasites but would like to know more about what I am treating. My web searching has not provided alot of clues. The worms seem to be mostly on his underside, are brownish red, about the size of a piece of string, and I would say half a cm in length. His fins also have a frayed look to them but I don't know if it is related.


Here are some pictures:

here is a closeup:

Anyone seen anything remotely like this?

I have never encountered it but seeing how you have no replies and I'm gonna try and give you a little info: Half inch threadlike worm hanging from fish is what you said, ANCHOR worm. Its caused from a parasite called Lernaea.
Use heavy aeration b/c dead parasites may cause water to become cloudy. Also, meds like Use PARASITE GUARD or ANCHORS AWAY should help.

Thats all i found, hope you find a cure