Goby has small with spikes all over its body

[Marco333]

I've had a goby/pistol shrimp pair for about 3 years. I often notice that some large bristle worms share their hideout. Today while I was feeding the tank I noticed the goby has a bunch of small white spikes sticking out of it. Looks like a bunch of splinters. I'm wondering if this is from coming in contact with a bristle worm. Does anyone know if that's what this is or if it is something else? He seems to be ok but it looks very painful. You can see the spikes all over it, with many near the top front of the fish.

 

[Big G]

Yep, that's a brush up with a Bristleworm.

 

[Marco333]

Yep, that's a brush up with a Bristleworm.

Thanks for the reply! Do you know the typical prognosis for this? Will the fish recover or could this kill the fish?

 

[DeniseAndy]

Ouch. Been there little guy. No fun. Hope he is okay. Pretty fish.

 

[Big G]

The stingers will fall off/dissolve by themselves.
Always a chance that the fish may develop an infection from the stings. Watch for any filmy white coating, redness or necrosis.

 

[Cell]

I remove bristleworms because I find them a bit repulsive. But seems like a more worthy reason to do so!

 

[Marco333]

I remove bristleworms because I find them a bit repulsive. But seems like a more worthy reason to do so!

How do you recommend removing them? I mostly see them poking out of rocks.

 

[Cell]

Idk the best way, I QT all incoming rock and slowly pick out anything I don't like. You can make a bristleworm trap with some plastic straws and a bottle but there are no guarantees depending on how well fed they are.

 

[madweazl]

How do you recommend removing them? I mostly see them poking out of rocks.

I dont recommend moving them, they're beneficial regardless of appearance. Never understood pulling things out of an environment you're trying to recreate.