White sharp growths on Midas Blenny

[Kenkee]

Over the last few days, I've noticed these strange growths on the side of my Midas Blenny, they seem like sharp hair-like crystals. No other fish show any signs of similar growths.

Her movements around the tank and eating habits don't seem to be affected in any way as of yet and was hoping someone could help me identify what this is. I'm attaching some photos.

 

[shakacuz]

do you have any bristle/fireworms in your tank? this looks very much like their "stingers"

 

[Kenkee]

do you have any bristle/fireworms in your tank? this looks very much like their "stingers"

I do have a few, if that's what it is do I need to treat it or will they come out on their own?

 

[shakacuz]

I do have a few, if that's what it is do I need to treat it or will they come out on their own?

get a natural predator.

have read many posts bout bumble bee snails being able to eat bristle worms. 6line wrasse eats them. yellow coris wrasse, melanurus wrasse. arrow crab, coral banded shrimp.

 

[Kenkee]

get a natural predator.

have read many posts bout bumble bee snails being able to eat bristle worms. 6line wrasse eats them. yellow coris wrasse, melanurus wrasse. arrow crab, coral banded shrimp.

I have a mandarin goby in my tank so I don't want to add anything that'll mess up the pod population for him, its a 60-gallon tank any suggestions based on that?

 

[shakacuz]

I have a mandarin goby in my tank so I don't want to add anything that'll mess up the pod population for him, its a 60-gallon tank any suggestions based on that?

arrow crab or coral banded shrimp, with some bumble bee snails(maybe like 6?)

perhaps someone else can chime in to other natural predators.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I agree on bristles. Not flukes.

 

[Sharkbait19]

I saw my pistol shrimp eating bristleworms…wouldn’t put it past a good ol’ “reef safe” emerald crab either…

 

[Kenkee]

arrow crab or coral banded shrimp, with some bumble bee snails(maybe like 6?)

perhaps someone else can chime in to other natural predators.

Gotcha, thank you!

 

[Kenkee]

I saw my pistol shrimp eating bristleworms…wouldn’t put it past a good ol’ “reef safe” emerald crab either…

I've read too many horror stories about emerald crabs to want to take that risk

 

[Kenkee]

I agree on bristles. Not flukes.

Thanks!

 

[Sharkbait19]

I've read too many horror stories about emerald crabs to want to take that risk

Mine was a total pita. Ripped up cloves and even killed a brittle star…but was unmatched for algae eating. They are definitely worth it but I understand why you wouldn’t get one.