Parasite ?

[marktea]

Where his fin is, at first I thought it was a blemished fin but then I thought it may be a parasite latching on. It looks like a very small with piece of cloth. I looked up worms and it doesn't appear to be the anchor worm. Ideas?

 

[marktea]

If any one has any insight I would greatly appreciate it. There's no treatment like early prevention!

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I don't see any thing.


@mods can we move to disease forum for more eyes?

#reefsquad can y'all take a look?

 

[reeferfoxx]

Is it the blue thing hanging off the pectoral fin?

 

[marktea]

Yes! It comes out best in the second pic and although appearing blue it is plain white. I'm still really not sure if it could possibly be a knick in his fin. But the I see where it looks "attached" and I just think worm

 

[reeferfoxx]

Yes! It comes out best in the second pic and although appearing blue it is plain white. I'm still really not sure if it could possibly be a knick in his fin. But the I see where it looks "attached" and I just think worm

Any other descriptors? Like two tube like feature or any hairs coming off it or just rice shaped?

 

[marktea]

Well I really don't know another way to describe it so forgive me but for the lack of a better word, a sperm cell

 

[reeferfoxx]

Well I really don't know another way to describe it so forgive me but for the lack of a better word, a sperm cell

My best guess would be a piece of food or debris stuck to him. Now I could be wrong. How long has it been there?

@melypr1985 Any ideas?

 

[savetheocean]

Lymph?

 

[melypr1985]

My best guess would be a piece of food or debris stuck to him. Now I could be wrong. How long has it been there?

@melypr1985 Any ideas?

Well, it was hard for me to see anything wrong with that firefish. If the OP is concerned that this may be a parasite, it's more likely to be a worm. A freshwater dip may help determine and could dislodge it from the fish. That's what I would do.... 5 minute freshwater dip and reassess after. Prazi would be a good treatment for external worms... though if it dislodges with the dip, then you probably won't need the prazi unless you see it again.

 

[mcarroll]

If he's acting completely normal AND not being shy AND eating well, I would not do anything but continue observing – it sounds like he's doing well. Maybe take the extra time from this to see if you can get a better pic somehow?

How old is this tank? Has it had problems or has it been a pretty healthy tank?

 

[marktea]

Hey guys, thank you all for the responses. It turned out to be a simple tether on his fin. I'm safe for now, thanks again!