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FAQs on Crustacean Parasites, Diseases
Related Articles: Crustacean Parasitic
Disease, Isopod
Crustaceans,
Marine Parasitic Disease, Parasitic
Worms, Roundworms,
Related FAQs:
Isopods,
Parasitic Disease 1, Parasitic Disease
2, Parasitic Disease 3,
Parasitic Disease 4, Parasitic Disease
5, Parasitic Disease 6,
Parasitic Disease 7,
Parasitic Marine Tanks,
Parasitic Reef Tanks,
Cryptocaryoniasis, Marine Ich,
Marine Velvet
Disease Biological Cleaners, Fish
Worm Diseases 1, Treating
Parasitic Disease, Using
Hyposalinity to Treat Parasitic Disease,
Roundworms, Tang Health/Disease,
"The horror, the horror!" | 
|
Parasite on New Cleaner Shrimp - 2/18/08
Hi, Great website by
the way!
<Thanks, Ed! It’s a collective treasure, isn't it!>
I
recently purchased a Skunk Cleaner Shrimp <Lysmata spp.> and I am
having some difficulty with it. It is living in my FOWLR tank on its
own and there are some things I don't understand.
<Alright, let's
see if we can't figure them out.>
1) There is a peach coloured,
bubble type of growth on the side of the shrimp, is it a parasite or
will it go at the next molt?
<This is a blood-sucking parasite,
generally called a Eucarid or Bopyrid Isopod. We see them
occasionally on shrimp, especially in the genus Lysmata (cleaner
shrimps). These parasites don’t come off when the shrimp molts and
they’re next to impossible to remove without killing the host. The
growth you see is actually a female isopod that before it attached,
looked like a typical small “roly poly” isopod. These organisms
attach themselves to a shrimp, bury under the carapace, and change
form into what appears to be a whitish tumor/mass. Color can vary
based on the hue of the overlying carapace. The good news is that
although unsightly, these parasites do not necessarily kill the
host. Nor do they pose a likely threat to any future shrimps in your
system. This is because they require an intermediate host, a type of
copepod, that isn’t normally found in aquaria. One thing of note
however, is that although these don’t actually kill the shrimp by
themselves, they can weaken it as well as render it sterile. A
shrimp with one of these parasites attached is not going to be as
strong as one without. It’s going to be more susceptible to changes
in its environment, such as water chemistry, etc.>
2) The shrimp
appears to be having some difficulty swimming vertically, and does
not get very far before it sinks, could this be because of the
growth?
<Yes, it’s possible.>
3) I am having trouble feeding
the shrimp. I am trying to feed it Hikari small marine pellets, are
they correct for a shrimp?
<My experience is that they’ll eat
just about anything: sinking pellets, small meaty bits of marine
origin, flake food, small worms, etc. Just make sure that it’s
getting a varied diet.>
..and finally,
4) The shrimp never
really seems to venture out when the aquarium lights are on, but as
soon as they are switched off begins exploring the tank, is there
anything I can do to help this?
<This may change as the shrimp
becomes more accustomed to its surroundings (as long as no predatory
fish are introduced!). Part of this behavior may be a function of
its slightly weakened state. For example, when shrimps molt, they
instinctively hide because they know they’re vulnerable. Your shrimp
could well realize that it’s not a hundred percent and be a bit more
cautious. For more information/photos regarding these parasites,
please see the following links:
http://www.qualitymarineusa.com/article.asp?page=feature&id=968EF63B-2D1D-469A-847A-8E8541B12BE4
http://home2.pacific.net.ph/~sweetyummy42/hitchshrimp.html>
Thanks for all your help as I am new to marine fishkeeping.
Many
thanks Ed.
<You’re very welcome, Ed! You’ve come to the right
place! Please let us know if there’s anything else we can help you
with. Best wishes to you and your little cleaner shrimp. Take care,
-Lynn>
Re: Parasite on New Cleaner Shrimp - -02/20/08
<Good morning, Ed!>
Thank you for your help regarding my last
shrimpy questions,
<You’re very welcome!>
..but after reading
the articles on one of your links, it appears that the parasite
(Eucarid) can be removed from the host shrimp, and that the shrimp
will make a full recovery.
<Hmmm, yes, it can be done, but it
sounds like a potentially tricky (and risky for the patient)
procedure, particularly if you’ve never done it before. You’ve got
to have a pair of very fine tweezers, or the like, as well as know
the anatomy of the shrimp so that you don’t go in at the wrong
place. Furthermore, the shrimp is not anesthetized. You’ve got to
capture it, turn it upside down and keep it still in that position
under water, reach in at the right spot with fine tweezers. taking
care not to puncture the body – during which time, the shrimp is
most likely trying to get away. I've seen reptiles and sharks enter
a sort of catatonic state when they’re upside down. I’m not sure if
shrimp react similarly. At this point, you have to determine which
is more life threatening – the actual parasite or the removal
procedure?>
Would you recommend this procedure?
<Personally,
I wouldn’t do it and wouldn't recommend it. The shrimp can survive
with the parasite and there’s little, if any, risk to the rest of
the livestock. More importantly, the shrimp is a new addition,
already dealing with enough stress. I’m not sure it would survive
the procedure.>
Many thanks again,
Ed
<You're most welcome.
Take care, -Lynn> |
Parasite, Copepod... 2/10/08
Here are some pics of a nasty
looking parasite on a Stonogobiops nematodes. The fish is a
juvenile, about an inch long. He is very active. Eating very well,
and you would never know he has a problem.
<"Successful parasites
don't kill their hosts">
The parasite has a blood red abdomen,
two curlycue's at the top,
<Egg sacs...>
and what looks like a
mosquito's proboscis entering the fish. Looks like a salt water
Mosquito!
<Is a copepod>
I have been trying hard to research
this, but have had no luck with identification. From reading all the
threads that I could, the two courses of action seem to be, one,
cleaner shrimp. And then if unsuccessful, manual extraction with
tweezers, in a net, under water.
<Mmm, dangerous>
The fish is
so small, I am afraid to handle him. But if I did remove it
manually, I was unfamiliar with the medication to swab on the wound,
and where to get it.
Any help with identification, and a plan of
action, would be appreciated.
Sorry if the pics are not in
perfect focus. These are the best I can come up with, I took fifty,
to get these four.
Thank you!
Richard
PS I put the smallest
cleaner shrimp that I could find in the tank tonight. I will keep my
fingers crossed.
<This is a very good idea... I would "just
wait" at this junction... Likely trying to extricate or selectively
poison (organophosphate) this crustacean will result in the goby's
death... Perhaps it will "cycle off" in time... and there is a good
chance that it cannot reproduce in your setting... see the Net re...
I would just be patient... it may take months to change... Bob
Fenner> |  
|
Unusual growth on Purple Tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum) 12/10/07
Hello Crew,
<Ron>
Thanks for taking the time to review my query!
For the first time today, I noticed a dark fuzzy/hairy growth on my
Purple Tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum) -- passengers side near the tail. ; )
I have searched the web and WWM but can't seem to find anything that
fits the profile of a dark gray/black 'hairy' growth.
<Could you
send along a well-resolved pic? Oh, I see the links below>
Nobody in
my local Reef Club (RASOC) had any suggestion either. It seems that most
accounts of spots or growths on fish are white, unless it involves black
speckles or a generally discolored spot. Perhaps my search query is
lacking some keyword. However, I would definitely have to describe this
growth as hairy or fuzzy in appearance since it appears to be a cluster
of 'hairs'.
When I look back at earlier pictures that I have taken, I
can see that this spot was there in some form a month ago. It is
approximately 2 mm in diameter. It doesn't seem to bother the Tang as
far as I can tell. I have an active Cleaner Shrimp and he doesn't seem
to be concerned about it either. Here are the best pics I can get of the
growth. I am providing a couple of flickr links in lieu of sending
pictures that may be too large (hope that is ok). Feel free to upload
and post if you desire.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2022/2098256828_b98c969b7d.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2188/2097478823_335152a998.jpg
Do you
have any idea what it could be?? If so, would you recommend treatment or
merely observation for now?
Ron <")))><
Charlotte, NC
<Might be
a crustacean parasite... looks in outline like a pair/two copepods... A
shame to stress this animal by netting, but if the occasion presents
itself, I would use two nets, capture this fish and gently try prising
off this mark with blunt nose tongs (ask your wife re maybe...). IF
there is any sign of blood from doing so, do daub (with a "Q tip") a bit
of mercurochrome/Merthiolate/Merbromin on to the spot. I see what
appears to be the antennae of a Lysmata sp. in the background... In
time, this cleaner may remove this mark... Otherwise, I doubt if it is
really debilitating, and strongly sense that it is not "catching".
Cheers, Bob Fenner>Re:
Unusual growth on Purple Tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum) 12/10/07
Bob,
<RonF>
Thank you for the information you provided. The pictures
closely represent the view one gets with the naked eye. Perhaps I will
try to use my digital zoom to get a closer pic, in order to see if it is
indeed some sort of crustacean. I am hesitant to stress the Tang out by
netting it, as you alluded.
For now, I will observe and hope that
the Cleaner ultimately resolves the issue.
Ron <")))><
<Ahh! This
is what I would do as well. Cheers, BobF> | 
|
Parasitic copepods? 10/17/07
Hi there!
<DJ>
I have been
getting some fish in from the Marshall islands and some locally in
Hawaii that have these bumps (usually on the fins/tails) of some fish.
Mainly butterflies and tangs - majority yellow tangs. I attached a few
pictures of 3 pyramid butterflies that have them (they are in a reef
tank after i sent them out)
My question is are they something to be
concerned about?
<Mmm, possibly... as am sure their presence is at
least somewhat debilitating... as well as unpleasant to look at>
Usually i just rip them off with tweezers or clip them off, but i do
miss a lot of them. I don't see them spread or anything, but am
concerned about the one butterfly who has them on its side.
<Can
spread in systems at times...>
Thank you so much for the help.
Aloha
DJ
<I would treat the incoming fishes with a dilute
freshwater, pH-adjusted formalin bath as spec.ed on WWM... and their
intermediate holding systems with an organophosphate... likely DTHP or
Dimilin... commercial products of such also spec.ed on WWM. Bob Fenner>
Re: parasitic copepods? – 10/18/07
Mr. Fenner,
<Just Bob,
please>
Thank you for the quick response. I run my system water (am a
wholesaler in Hawaii)
<Oh! We may well know some of the same folks...
Furry Slippers/RandyF on O'ahu... Mr. Fish/Steve, Dave Dart... others on
the Big Island...>
with Nitrofurazone and copper (about half dose
each) consistently. Freshwater doesn't seem to knock these things off.
Would formalin work better?
<Yes it would, but the real deal is a
dose or three with the pesticide...>
My other question is would they
spread to other fish in a closed system?
<Possibly... though most
worm and crustacean complaints tend to be more species, genus, to family
specific... Also depends on how simple/complex the critters life cycles
are... I suspect these may be direct... i.e. not require an intermediate
host>
The 3 butterflies are in with some wrasses and tangs. I just
don't want them to spread and take over.
<Agreed...>
Thank you
for the reply
Aloha
DJ
<A hu'i hou! Bob Fenner>
Re: parasitic copepods? – 10/18/07
I know Randy and a few others
on Oahu. I don't know many on the big island though. Am not a big enough
wholesaler to bring in large quantities of fish the big island :)
<I
see. Say hello to Furry Slippers for me>
What pesticide would work
best? do you have a link or something where i can buy it?
<Please
read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/crustdisfaqs1.htm
and the
linked files where you encounter them there>
Thanks again for the
help.
DJ
<Welcome. Bob Fenner> |  
|
Things on Goby? 5/9/07
I just received a red banded
antennae goby from a distributor, and I noticed that the little guy has
two red, sausage looking blobs on either side of his body. They are not
on his head or gills, but rather about halfway down his body, right
behind his stomach/intestinal area. One blob is about a millimeter, the
other slightly smaller. They are red, but still semi transparent. When
you look closely, you can see something undulating inside of them. It
is a bottom to top motion, no squirming or writhing inside. Also, the
larger of the two sausages has a small yellowish "string" coming from
the top of it.
I do not have a camera here (I'm at work) so I cannot
attach a picture.
<Rats!>
I was looking through all our fish
books and cannot find an external parasite picture that matches these
things. My question is, any idea what it is?
<Yes... very likely
either a crustacean or worm parasite... Not uncommon>
It almost
looks like the little guy's organs are on the outside of his
body! Especially as the two are directly across from each other, one on
either side of his body.
Any help would be appreciated. I do not
want to put the poor thing in any of our tanks until I'm 110% what it
is. Our quarantine tank is way to big for him, I'd never find him or
he'd get eaten by the puffer we have in there. Thank you!
-Erica
<Mmm, I suggest serial administration of an anthelminthic (my choice?
Praziquantel), and an Organophosphate (something like Fluke Tabs)...
Please read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/gobydisfaqs.htm
re related,
cautionary remarks/matters. Bob Fenner> Blood sucking
insect/parasite? SW crust. parasite? 2/3/07
Hi
everyone at WWM,
<Barbara>
I recently have become addicted to
your very useful and informative website, my appreciation to all that
goes into it! The following question is the only thing so far I have not
found information on in it!
My tank is 30 gals, 32lbs live rock,
sg-1.023-1.024, Ammonia-0, nitrites-0, nitrates-15-20 ppm, but I am
having luck lowering it with frequent water changes.
<Good, one
approach>
Current occupants are 1 strawberry Dottyback
(Pseudochromis), 2 false perculas, 1 algae blenny, and 1 Flame angel, I
realize it is most likely overstocked,
<Yes... you are up against
psychological and practical limitations... with the Angel, Salarias...>
but all are doing very well. I just noticed tonight that my Dottyback
has what looks like some sort of "insect" that seems to be sucking on
his tail fin, it's body is blue in color and is about 1/8" long. The
Dottyback does not even seem to notice it, and is swimming as usual and
eating VERY well as always. I assume whatever it is came from in the
live rock, which the Dottyback always hides and swims in and out of. I
just wanted to know if I should quarantine the Dottyback, do a
freshwater dip, etc?
<Yes... I would catch this fish (may require
removal of all LR...), and physically remove this parasite... Likely
either an isopod or copepod... but could be other... and likely leave
the wound site as is... unless there is any sign of bleeding... then
would quickly daub with a "Q-tip" and a bit of Merthiolate or such...>
I couldn't find any information on this particular critter on your site
or the web in general. My thanks for any insight you can offer!
Barbara
<And if possible, practical, perhaps a friend can take a few
quick pix... that you might send along. Bob Fenner> Re: blood
sucking insect/parasite follow-up 2/4/07
Hi Bob,
Thank you very much for your quick reply!
A few hours after I
noticed it the insect fell off (disengaged?) There is no bleeding, just
a slightly noticeable spot where the insect was. If I see it again I
will get a picture and forward it. No easy way to describe it other than
a blue colored bug! Thank you again for your advice!
Barbara
<Thank you for this update... I do hope this was an arthropod (not a
worm species), separate sexed... consequently not able to/going to
reproduce here. Bob Fenner>
Gill problem... Do "we" stay in
Iraq or...? 12/16/06
Hi Crew,
I have a 10 gallon
with a pair of neon gobies (wild caught) that I bought back in July.
<Neat>
Shortly after I got them I noticed 2 white lines in the gill
of one goby. It looks like small sticks of chalk.
<Ahh!>
This
goby does breath much faster than its mate and is slightly smaller. I
thought about trying to remove it with tweezers (and got an affirmative
from the Crew to
try) but never got up the courage.
<Is a bit
"tricky"... easy to greatly damage the fish host... any bleeding is a
very bad sign... best to daub the area with dilute Povidone Iodine...>
Anyway, here we are a few months later with everything about the same.
They are both very active and eat well. At this point is there any
reason to attempt to remove it? Or am I more likely to do more harm than
good?
<An important, though impossible to answer question... As (if
we look) we are often "faced" (if honest...) with similar questions,
issues in our lives... "Do no harm" is a useful creed/oath of western
doctors as well as would-be earnest aquarists... If the fish in question
indeed doesn't appear debilitated, I would leave this likely crustacean
parasite be... not likely to spread (as are to a large degree
species-specific AND complex in life cycles... Bob Fenner>
Fish Parasite <copepod> 12/14/06
Hi,
<Hello there>
Attached is a picture of my firefish with an attached parasite
behind the right fin.
<I see it>
I was not smart enough or
patient enough to follow the quarantine advice from your Marine
Aquarist book.
I really enjoyed the book by the way. I find
myself rereading it often.
I would appreciate any information
about this parasite you could give me.
Thank you,
Paul Hug
<Appears to be a Copepod... the trailing "egg sacs" are indicative
to definitive. Please read here re:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/crustdisfaqs1.htm
I would
(gingerly) remove this from the fish using a tweezers... pulling
away, toward the tail... with the fish netted, underwater... Bob
Fenner> | Re: Fish Parasite
12/14/06
Thank you for the response. I am hoping you
can give me some advise on what to do next.
<Okay>
I
removed the firefish, Nemateleotris magnifica, from my main
tank. I then removed the parasite using tweezers. The parasite
stretched during removal making me think it was a worm. The
'"Thing" on Firefish' letter sounds exactly like mine. The
curlicue description fits.
<Mmm, I do wish I would have
remembered to include a note re grasping the "worm" (like
previously stated this is actually a crustacean)... near, by the
head... pulling firmly, though slowly from there... to prevent
breaking the Copepod...>
I quickly set up a new 10 gallon
tank as a quarantine/hospital tank and moved the firefish and my
only other fish, a diamond goby, Valenciennea puellaris, to this
new tank.
<Mmm, okay... though likely unnecessary... The
parasite likely has a "complex" life cycle... requiring the
presence of at least another intermediary organism (which is
highly likely not present)>
My two week old 105 gallon main
tank now contains base rock, live rock, sand from another
running aquarium, 29 miscellaneous snails, 15 hermits, 2 Cleaner
Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis), and 6 mushroom corals (Discosoma
sp.).
This tank with some live rock and sand from an active
system shows now ammonia or nitrite. Nitrates are currently 20
ppm (This is a decrease from 1st week at 30 ppm).
<Good>
This afternoon the firefish died. I am pretty sure I stressed
it during removal and by the delay in getting it into the new
quarantine tank.
<Very likely... sorry for your loss>
Should I medicate the diamond goby (no symptoms)?
<I would
not... not worth the further stress, small likelihood that this
is something "treat-able">
I assume that leaving the goby
in the quarantine tank and leaving the main tank fishless is a
good idea.
<Mmm... not really necessary>
If so, how long
would you recommend and should I do anything else to
reduce/eliminate the possibility of transmission?
<Use of
practical cleaner organism/s here...>
Also my quarantine
tank was purchase/setup in a hurry so I ended up with a cheap
incandescent hood.
Is this a problem, other than heat, for
the diamond goby?
Thank you,
Paul Hug
<Not a
problem. Paul... please do read re Dart Gobies, Microdesmids...
most of the species used in our interest really need to be in
pairs... Bob Fenner> | 
|
Locally Introduced Parasites? - 10/23/06
Hello,
<<Howdy>>
I hope you can help me.
<<I will try>>
I have searched your web
site for answers with no avail. I have a 55g SW tank that is about 3
months old. My fish are dying!
<<...!>>
I had 4 king fish
native to NJ Atlantic Ocean where I live,
<<Hmm...there are "several
dozen" species of fish with the common name of "kingfish"...I'll take a
guess that these are Menticirrhus americanus...an attractive "mottled"
species of croaker that gets too large for this tank (over 20") and is
also a "subtropical" species not suitable for a "tropical" marine
system>>
1 three-stripe damsel, 1 percula clown, 1 ocean crab, 1
star fish, 1 cleaner shrimp, 1 peppermint shrimp and 5 turbo
snails. About 10 days ago I lost 2 of my king fish. A few days later I
noticed hundreds of tiny bugs darting on the tank glass and swimming in
the water.
<<Normally I would think these to be beneficial and
harmless copepods; but I'm guessing you collected the kingfish and the
"ocean crab" locally, yes?...and maybe more?...some sand/rubble/rock?>>
These bugs also seem to be attaching themselves to the fish at night,
especially the clown fish.
<<Uh-oh>>
The fish have been eating
the bugs off the glass and the damsel was pecking at the clown, cleaner
shrimp is lazy. Anyway this morning my other two king fish were dead and
hours later the clown died. The damsel seems to have lost his dark
black stripes they are turning gray, especially the one down the front
of his head.
<<Stress>>
Also the fish were jerking and sometimes
scratching on the coral. The damsel is the only fish left in the tank
besides my inverts which are doing fine.
<<As would be expected if
these "bugs" are a parasitic crustacean>>
My water conditions are in
the excellent range, no ammonia, nitrates, nitrite and pH and alkalinity
is great. I run a wet/dry filter. Any help would be great. Please
help me!
<<Is it possible you introduced a parasite (collected
locally) that has quickly reproduced in your system and attacked your
fishes? You should remove the remaining fish to a treatment tank and
let your display tank sit fallow for 6-8 weeks...the inverts should be
fine. As for treatment, whether to use ionic copper or an
organophosphate treatment depends greatly upon identifying the parasite
(e.g. - protozoan vs. Isopod). I would probably try the copper
treatment (as you would for Ich). And do have a look here and among the
associated links for more clues/strategies:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/parasiti.htm >>
Thanks,
Laura
<<Regards, EricR>> Fish Lice/leech?
7/4/06
Hello there!!! I have a question on the fish I just
bought about 2 weeks ago. It is a six line wrasse. Just about 1 week
ago, I noticed an oval
shaped patch on the side of my fish. That
little patch even moves around.
It tends to stay on the side of the
body only. I have done some research and narrowed it down to either a
fish lice or a leech. I have noticed that
when the patch moves or
stretches along the fish's body, the fish tend to scratch up against a
rock. The fish is still swimming and eating regularly.
Its very
hard to catch this fish for treatment because they are so fast and
always darting into caves. If it is a fish lice or leech, will it
eventually kill the fish?
<Too possibly so...>
As of today, I
only see one of these little fish lice/leech. Do you think there are
more in the water column?
<Mmm, not likely. If you are fortunate...>
If so, How do I treat the main tank?
<Can be treated with "economic
poisons" that are mainly harmful to non-vertebrate animals... but...>
The main tank has corals. I'm thinking that the only way to treat the
main tank is to go without fish (the host), for a long time so those
fish lice/leech die off. Am I correct? Thank you.
<You are
correct. Now, if it were me/mine, I would make the concerted effort to
remove the live rock, decor, possibly drain a good deal of the water
from this system, and gingerly catch this wrasse (using two nets as to
not knock off or disturb the parasite into leaving), lift the fish from
the water and carefully pries off the louse... likely an isopod, with
blunt forceps... and return the fish to the tank, along with the
decor... Likely this is an arthropod/crustacean parasite imported with
the specimen (you would have seen it, had less problems had you
quarantined...) and has had no opportunity, mate to reproduce... Bob
Fenner> Re: High Nitrates in a Fishless
Tank 6/5/06... barnacles, alkalinity, sw maint.
Lisa,
<Mmm, Bob this time>
Back again. It has been a while, I wanted to
test the water and just watch and wait to see if I could get it
together.
<Okay>
The water I have been changing
faithfully once a week between 5-7 gallons in a 55 gallon tank and a 29
gallon tank.
<Sounds about right>
The 55 gal. has no
fish still, just the live rock and inverts which seem to be doing very
well. The Caulerpa is thriving as well as all the inverts. The sponge
is growing and the feather dusters are fine. We do seem to have a lot
of barnacles. Is there such thing as too much?
<Mmm, can be...
Cirripedians can be pests/parasites to fishes as larvae...>
I just
do not like. Going on 12 weeks now after losing all fish... The Nitrates
were high and now seem to be stable at 20 ppm (tap water registers
10ppm) We do not see a lot of waste in the media of the Fluval.
<Canister filters can be problematical... transient pollution sources>
Ammonia sometimes shows 0 and sometimes goes up to .25 The
nitrites are always 0. The PH is what really fluctuates. The last
check was between 7.8-8.0 It always seems to drop.
<A lack of
buffering, restoring chemical make-up... Alkaline reserve>
I am
checking the PH on the new water that I am changing out as it is low and
actually raise it high to balance out the low PH of the tank.
<Good... but need to check the alkalinity, not simply pH>
What other
suggestions could you recommend. I am leery of starting over until
certain all the water issues are corrected.
<Please read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/marphalk.htm
and the linked files above>
The 29 gal. has live rock and 2 damsels. The water registers 80ppm
nitrates,
<Way too high>
0 nitrites, 0-.25 ammonia and Ph also
fluctuates low in this tank as well. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Sandy
<... please learn to/use the indices, search tool on WWM... A
link/beginning to nitrates:
http://wetwebmedia.com/nitratesmar.htm
Bob Fenner> "Thing"
on Firefish
I just purchased a firefish on Sunday, and yesterday,
Monday, I noticed that he has something coming out of a hole behind his
pectoral fin. The hole is in his "armpit" and there is not one on the
other side. This thing is a yellow-white curlicue that comes out, and
looks like it goes back into the hole it came out of. It is maybe 1/2 cm
long. By curlicue I mean kinda like wood shaving, or piece of sawdust.
He is having no problems swimming or eating. This thing doesn't seem to
be bothering him at all, but I would like to know what it is and if I
can do anything to make it go away. (The way it is shaped, I think it
may be a piece of intestine, maybe?)
Thank you!
<Mmm, my guess is
that this is an external parasite... a copepod likely (do put the terms
"copepod fish parasite" in Google and look at the "images"... Can be
excised with forceps likely... and careful holding while in a net... Bob
Fenner>
What are those little bugs? (2/24/04)
Hi,
<Howdy. Steve Allen here>
I hope you have the answer. <I'll
try.> We have a 55 gal. saltwater that has been set up for about 5
months. All our fish are well, level readings are normal. Problem is
what appears to be lice like parasites on the walls of the tank.
<Probably not parasites.> Are they a danger to our fish and how should
we treat them. <Most likely no danger at all. If they swim/crawl around,
they are almost certainly harmless (actually beneficial)
mini-crustaceans known as copepods. "Fish lice" are isopods that hang
directly on fish. If they appear to be attached to the wall, they may be
some sort of harmless marine worm.> We also noticed larger white
parasites that appear to be snail like with a fan tail, also on the
walls of the tank. <Do they move? May actually be a mini featherduster
worm.> Any advice would be appreciated. <None of these are likely
harmful. Enjoy the diversity of life in your tank. Read here to be more
certain:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/invertidfaq4.htm
http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/pestscopepods/a/aa061200.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/copepodfaqs.htm
http://www.rshimek.com/Invertebrate%20Key%20to%20Major%20Taxa.htm >
Thank you. <Hope this helps.> Do White "Hairs" Indicate a
Parasite? 4/9/04
BACKGROUND
- Friend broke down tank and
gave me a 4" blue tang - The tang has pale pits all over its head
suggesting lateral line disease, though the line looks fine <natural
sunlight and improved feeding will improve this>
- Tail is frayed
and oddly bumpy near its base
- These symptoms have remained
constant for 6 months
<hmmm... does not sound likely pathogenic for
lasting this long without getting better/worse>
- Behavior
completely normal for a blue tang (healthy swimming, appetite, etc)
- I have provided no treatment
- Goby and Banggai Cardinal tankmates
exhibit no signs of illness
NEW SYMPTOM
- I just noticed a
series of white "hairs" sticking out from his back, directly below the
dorsal fin.
<odd>
- These bristles are parallel to each, angled
from front to back (like hair blowing in the wind), the thickness of
thread, and number about 10.
QUESTIONS
1. What's wrong with this
fish?
<not sure by the text description... a clear photo would help.
Else do consult a good manual like Untergasser's Handbook of Fish
diseases (TFH)>
2. What should I do to help him?
<ID the symptom
first before any move or treatment. Get your Quarantine tank ready if
needed if its not still running>
Thanks in advance for any relevant
info/advice.
- David
<I see that you are form Boston... do check
out the excellent local club: The Boston Reefers. They have their own
website (slips me now... do a keyword search) and they have a forum on
reefcentral.com They are also hosting the national conference this year
in September.. an event not to be missed! Anthony>
Parasite on goby?
Hello Crew,
<Ken>
I've got a
yellow watchman goby that I've had for about 8 months. About 2
months ago I noticed that it constantly had its mouth gaping, and
that there appeared to be a white mass on the lower inside of it's
mouth. It was still acting OK and eating, so I just kept my eye on
it. A couple of weeks later I noticed that it had a 1/4" rod shaped
projection coming from the side of it's face. I'm guessing it is
some sort of parasite.
<Yes, looks like a parasitic copepod>
I tried to catch the fish to isolate it, but had no luck. Since it
does not appear to be contagious, I've left the fish in the tank
rather than tear the whole thing apart trying to catch it.
<These are generally pretty species-specific. Should not spread>
The fish still seems to be doing fine, and the white mass in the
mouth appears to be gone, but the rod shaped projection has remained
about the same. I've attached a photo of the fish that I took
several weeks ago when the mass was still evident in the mouth. Can
you tell me what the cause of the projection and mass are, and what
I should do if anything to treat the fish.
Thanks,
Ken
<If, when the occasion presents itself, do pull this off with
forceps. Bob Fenner> |
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Are there parasites that you can see?
<Oh yes... some crustacean
parasites of fishes and other aquatic animals are quite large for
example... some inches long>
After close examination on my aquarium I
notices these extremely small moving creatures in the water, some
walking on the glass. Under a magnifying glass they almost look like
shrimp. Could these be harmful or might they just be something that the
fish stirred up in the sand?
<Likely nothing to worry about. Please
read here re:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/pericaridanfaqs.htm
Bob Fenner>
Argulus (marine)
Dear WWM Crew,
<Howdy>
I have a 225g salt
water aquarium which houses a Niger Trigger, Naso Tang
and a Zebra
eel. The tank is fish only and has a wet/dry filter.
My question is
regarding Argulus. I believe I have this due to the actions
of the
Niger Trigger.
It noticeably rubs onto rocks and flinches a lot.
Yesterday I noticed 3 small oval shaped "lice" looking parasites moving
about it's tail and fins. Yes, they are moving around. They are about
0.075"
in diameter. It's fins have frayed a little bit but it's color
still looks
great. The other fish, as well as the Trigger, are still
eating VERY
hardily. Does this sound like a good diagnosis?
<It
may be that your fish does have this Branchiuran parasite genus... Do
you have access to a microscope?>
I want to treat the tank with
"CLOUT" but am nervous about putting
medication in my tank. I am also
concerned with only treating the Trigger
because I have read that
Argulus lays eggs in the rocks, so dipping the fish
is only a
temporary fix. Is this true?
<Yes>
Will CLOUT have any effect on
the
eel, since it doesn't have scales? How about the wet/dry filter,
will there
be any damage?
<A bit of a risk, but about the best
choice for you here... that or "Marine Med Aqua" or other
organophosphate containing medications>
If CLOUT isn't a good
solution, do you have any recommendations?
Thank you very much,
Lon
<I would try treating the trigger in a separate system (hospital
tank), by itself if it is the only infested fish of the three... there
is a chance that whatever this parasite is (likely some sort of
crustacean) that it is so species specific in its use of hosts that it
will die off in your main system in a month or so of leaving the trigger
out. There is much to relate to you re your present knowledge of
quarantine, treatments... Please read through the areas you feel you're
weak in on WetWebMedia.com on the Marine Index (Maintenance) and the
"Related FAQs" therein. Bob Fenner>
Buggy parasite prob.s in a
new marine system
Hello bob,
<Hi there Nino>
I have started
my first marine tank. It's now been seven weeks since I have had my tank
running. I have two sleeper gold head goby's in my tank and they seem to
have small bug parasites attached to their fins. The other fish are
doing fine but also where their gills are their seems to be very dark
areas. It's hard to tell you in detail as these fish don't stay still
enough for me to see correctly. the ph is 8.3 the sg is 1.022 and the
water temp is 24 degrees the ammonia is on 0 ppm the nitrate is on 0
ppm.
<Can you describe these "big bugs"? Are they grey in color,
segmented? Any apparent eyes?>
if you are able to give me some help
that would be great. As I am at a loss to know what this is.
Also
there is 20kg of live rock in the tank.
thanks
Niño
<Do you
have any "cleaner" organisms in your system as yet? I would study about
their use at this point, maybe employ a Lysmata sp. shrimp to clean out
the "bugs"... Please read about their use (there's a search tool on the
bottom of the homepage: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/
Bob Fenner>
Parasitic crustacean incident?
Hi Robert Fenner,
<Salutem
dicit>
I am writing you because I have a problem of parasites with my
yellow and purple Tang, first I saw small sticks in the back part, close
to the tail, then I introduced a healthy purple tang, and now the purple
tang has the sticks too!!!, all of my other fishes are healthy, only
this two tangs have the sticks, the sticks are white, almost
transparent, my yellow tang also has small spots in the front part and
it is not ich, they do not show any signs of stress, they are colorful
and they eat well, my water parameters are acceptable.
Any
information about this parasites would be great.
Thanks. Alejandro
Brosig V.
<Interesting... the "sticks" do sound like a parasitic
copepod... ala the infamous genus Lernaea of pond fishes... can likely
be extracted by using tweezers (netting the fishes, holding them
gingerly, wet in a net and hand towel) in the direction away from the
head... grasping the parasite near its insertion into these fishes...
Hopefully this will be the end of the infestation (the sticks are
reproductive structures)... if not, the use of the economic poison, DTHP
used in ponds may be efficacious
(http://wetwebmedia.com/pndparasitcont.htm)... I would remove these
adults and hope for the best at this point. Bob Fenner>
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