Fish mouth parasite

korengabizon · Jun 30, 2023

I suspect that there is a worm-like parasite residing inside the mouth of my banggai cardinal fish. The fish is quite small and has refrained from eating for several days, even rejecting frozen foods. After a brief description to the AI model, it suggested that the parasite could possibly be a parasitic copepod, which may be manually removed. I am curious if anyone has encountered a similar situation and can provide insight into what this parasite might be and how to effectively address it. Unfortunately, I do not currently possess a cleaner shrimp, as I am awaiting their availability in local stores.

vetteguy53081 · Jun 30, 2023

korengabizon said:
I suspect that there is a worm-like parasite residing inside the mouth of my banggai cardinal fish. The fish is quite small and has refrained from eating for several days, even rejecting frozen foods. After a brief description to the AI model, it suggested that the parasite could possibly be a parasitic copepod, which may be manually removed. I am curious if anyone has encountered a similar situation and can provide insight into what this parasite might be and how to effectively address it. Unfortunately, I do not currently possess a cleaner shrimp, as I am awaiting their availability in local stores.

This is a skin tang likely from something ingested that caused skin to tear or other injury which should heal on its own. What foods have you fed or are feeding?

Privateye · Jun 30, 2023

They're probably thinking it's something like this

Jay Hemdal · Jun 30, 2023

korengabizon said:
I suspect that there is a worm-like parasite residing inside the mouth of my banggai cardinal fish. The fish is quite small and has refrained from eating for several days, even rejecting frozen foods. After a brief description to the AI model, it suggested that the parasite could possibly be a parasitic copepod, which may be manually removed. I am curious if anyone has encountered a similar situation and can provide insight into what this parasite might be and how to effectively address it. Unfortunately, I do not currently possess a cleaner shrimp, as I am awaiting their availability in local stores.

I agree, this looks like a skin tag. It is not the copepod mouth parasite.
I’ve not seen Ergasilus on cardinal fish, but maybe?
The not eating is a serious issue with these fish. How long have you had this fish? Do you know if it was captive raised or wild caught?
Jay