Is this Ich or flukes?

[Bronco765]

Are these white spots Ich or flukes on my Semilarvatus? I just noticed the spots today. I know reading Jay’s posts Neobenedenia flukes are the only flukes you can see with the naked eye. This is a fish only tank with no inverts so I can treat the tank. It has been flashing sporadically, is very active and has a voracious appetite.

 

[Fish Fan]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

I think it might help the Fish Medic guys if you could try to get some clearer pics for them. It's best if you can use the brightest white light you have, and turn off all your blues for clarity.

Good luck!

 

[Bronco765]

Here’s a close up of the spots.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Are these white spots Ich or flukes on my Semilarvatus? I just noticed the spots today. I know reading Jay’s posts Neobenedenia flukes are the only flukes you can see with the naked eye. This is a fish only tank with no inverts so I can treat the tank. It has been flashing sporadically, is very active and has a voracious appetite.

What I meant as Neobenedenia are the only species of fluke that can be seen without a microscope in dip water. On fish, when alive, all flukes are essentially invisible - you can only see the general damage that they cause, not white spots like this.

These white spots look too large to be ich, they are probably just excess mucus. The way I tell them apart is that ich spots will come and go and change location day to day, all while increasing in numbers.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Are these white spots Ich or flukes on my Semilarvatus? I just noticed the spots today. I know reading Jay’s posts Neobenedenia flukes are the only flukes you can see with the naked eye. This is a fish only tank with no inverts so I can treat the tank. It has been flashing sporadically, is very active and has a voracious appetite.

What I meant as Neobenedenia are the only species of fluke that can be seen without a microscope in dip water. On fish, when alive, all flukes are essentially invisible - you can only see the general damage that they cause, not white spots like this.

These white spots look too large to be ich, they are probably just excess mucus. The way I tell them apart is that ich spots will come and go and change location day to day, all while increasing in numbers.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Ich will multiply each 24 hours and I would suggest to look again tomorrow and see if he dots have increased in number and location. I suspect sand grains or skin irritation

 

[Bronco765]

Ich will multiply each 24 hours and I would suggest to look again tomorrow and see if he dots have increased in number and location. I suspect sand grains or skin irritation

Thanks I really appreciate your help!

 

[Bronco765]

What I meant as Neobenedenia are the only species of fluke that can be seen without a microscope in dip water. On fish, when alive, all flukes are essentially invisible - you can only see the general damage that they cause, not white spots like this.

These white spots look too large to be ich, they are probably just excess mucus. The way I tell them apart is that ich spots will come and go and change location day to day, all while increasing in numbers.

Thank you so much for your response. Before joining Reef2Reef I always read your posts. You have so much knowledge and I’m sure everyone here greatly appreciates your help. I’ve kept saltwater fish for 36 years and I’m still learning. I’ve bought Tinkeri’s for $100 from a lfs in Santa Ana, Ca so that tells you how long I’ve been doing this.