Helfrichi Firefish with splinters??

[FindingEmily]

My firefish looks like it got hit by a cactus. Everything was normal up until I got home from work today. The left side of his face has what look like small clear spines sticking out. I have no idea what might have caused this. He was the last thing added in the tank, which was back at the end of June. Other inhabitants include 2 small clowns, a goby, 2 cleaner shrimp, and a small pincushion urchin. Also have a variety of coral. I'll attach some pictures but not sure how well they came out.

Any help is appreciated!!

 

[melypr1985]

bristle worm attack. Well, not really an attack, but it does look like it came in contact with a bristle worm. Probably not the best day that little fish has had.

 

[FindingEmily]

Ah. I never would have guessed considering I didn't even know one was in there. Thanks for the quick response! Anything I should do to help or will everything work out on its own?

 

[melypr1985]

Ah. I never would have guessed considering I didn't even know one was in there. Thanks for the quick response! Anything I should do to help or will everything work out on its own?

Just keep an eye on her. It's not really feasible for you to take some tweezers to her. lol Keep an eye out and watch for infection.

 

[Sabellafella]

=/ poor little fella, just keep an eye on her. I get this all the time with one of my wrasses and theyll fallout withen a day or 2

 

[FindingEmily]

Just keep an eye on her. It's not really feasible for you to take some tweezers to her. lol Keep an eye out and watch for infection.

Lol that is very true. Thanks again for the help!!

 

[donnievaz]

My finger looked like that about a month ago when I grabbed a rock that was covered with them underneath. It was more annoying than anything, I didn't even notice it at first. Fortunately we have the luxury of being able to soak our fingers in vinegar to dissolve the bristles.

 

[FindingEmily]

My finger looked like that about a month ago when I grabbed a rock that was covered with them underneath. It was more annoying than anything, I didn't even notice it at first. Fortunately we have the luxury of being able to soak our fingers in vinegar to dissolve the bristles.

Yeah I don't think it would be the best idea to soak my fish in vinegar lol

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Hate that!

 

[Humblefish]

I think it's pretty manly that your firefish had the guts to tangle with a bristleworm. Don't let anyone tell you that it was the other way around, and the bristleworm invaded the firefish's hidey hole.

 

[FindingEmily]

Just as an update to put everyone's mind at peace, the firefish is doing great. All the bristles? spines? clear sharp spikes? fell out and he's back to normal. Thanks again for everyone's help!!

 

[melypr1985]

Just as an update to put everyone's mind at peace, the firefish is doing great. All the bristles? spines? clear sharp spikes? fell out and he's back to normal. Thanks again for everyone's help!!

Great news!