Parasite?

blennyhana · Feb 20, 2026

Had this single bangaii cardinal for about 2 years since our tank was new. Came back from a weekend vacation this week and noticed he wasn’t eating. Today I looked a little closer and found this in his mouth. It looks like some sort of spider/crab or shrimp carcass. Not really sure what to do with him. Photos aren’t the best as it has been kinda hiding since we noticed this.

Appreciate any help

vetteguy53081 · Feb 20, 2026

blennyhana said:
Had this single bangaii cardinal for about 2 years since our tank was new. Came back from a weekend vacation this week and noticed he wasn’t eating. Today I looked a little closer and found this in his mouth. It looks like some sort of spider/crab or shrimp carcass. Not really sure what to do with him. Photos aren’t the best as it has been kinda hiding since we noticed this.

Appreciate any help

This can be a bristleworm or shrimp molt but fish will have to expel it on its own to prevent damage to the gills. Generally takes 3-4 days for a fish to eject it

JGT · Feb 20, 2026

Looks like he can use a toothpick.

blennyhana · Feb 20, 2026

vetteguy53081 said:
This can be a bristleworm or shrimp molt but fish will have to expel it on its own to prevent damage to the gills. Generally takes 3-4 days for a fish to eject it

I guess I would have expected it to come out by now. I shouldn’t try to catch it and get it out I assume, correct?