ID Please.

XNavyDiver · Jul 9, 2017

In my QT. Anyone know what this is?

Maritimer · Jul 9, 2017

Not one I've seen, but if I had to guess, that's the reproductive end of a parasite buried in the firefish's flesh.

I'd probably start with API's General cure, and might use it both in the water and bound to food with Seachem's Focus.

@melypr1985, @Humblefish - have you encountered this one before?

~Bruce

Humblefish · Jul 9, 2017

In two of the pics, I see a sponge near him. Are you sure he didn't get some of the sponge material stuck to his mucous coat or something? Just need to be sure about that before proceeding.

But in the first pic, I think I see what looks like a trematode (parasitic flatworm) sticking out of him.

I can see an insertion point and it looks like a squiggly worm is sticking out from there. Is this an accurate observation on my part?

XNavyDiver · Jul 9, 2017

Humblefish said:
In two of the pics, I see a sponge near him. Are you sure he didn't get some of the sponge material stuck to his mucous coat or something? Just need to be sure about that before proceeding.

But in the first pic, I think I see what looks like a trematode (parasitic flatworm) sticking out of him. I can see an insertion point and it looks like a squiggly worm is sticking out from there. Is this an accurate observation on my part?

That's exactly what I thought also. You do see a sponge bit that's not what the fish has on him. And yes, there does seem to be an insertion point just behind the right gill slit.

XNavyDiver · Jul 9, 2017

Humblefish said:
In two of the pics, I see a sponge near him. Are you sure he didn't get some of the sponge material stuck to his mucous coat or something? Just need to be sure about that before proceeding.

But in the first pic, I think I see what looks like a trematode (parasitic flatworm) sticking out of him. I can see an insertion point and it looks like a squiggly worm is sticking out from there. Is this an accurate observation on my part?

I was thinking the same thing. Right now there is Prazipro currently in the QT. I will have to go pick up

Maritimer said:
Not one I've seen, but if I had to guess, that's the reproductive end of a parasite buried in the firefish's flesh.

I'd probably start with API's General cure, and might use it both in the water and bound to food with Seachem's Focus.

@melypr1985, @Humblefish - have you encountered this one before?

~Bruce

I'll have to go pick up some general cure. Right now they're being treated with Prazipro.

GHsaltie · Jul 9, 2017

Okay, is it weird that I actually got excited when I saw this one? Something other than ich or velvet yay! It's been about a year and a half since I've seen one of those, and it was also on a purple firefish. I'm kind of sad that I didn't take the opportunity to treat the one that I came across. OP, I apologize that I don't actually have any useful input, I just a little excited.

Humblefish · Jul 9, 2017

XNavyDiver said:
That's exactly what I thought also. You do see a sponge bit that's not what the fish has on him. And yes, there does seem to be an insertion point just behind the right gill slit.

Assuming it is a trematode, the following treatments should eradicate it (listed in order of preference):

Prazipro: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/prazipro.247598/

Freshwater Dip: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/freshwater-dip.248898/

Formalin: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/formalin.290925/

I know I've seen something like this on a firefish before; @melypr1985 might remember better than I.

4FordFamily · Jul 9, 2017

Nasty lil bugger and I seem to remember another purple firefish with a similar ailment as mentioned. You're in good hands with humblefish!

XNavyDiver · Jul 9, 2017

Humblefish said:
Assuming it is a trematode, the following treatments should eradicate it (listed in order of preference):

Prazipro: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/prazipro.247598/

Freshwater Dip: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/freshwater-dip.248898/

Formalin: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/formalin.290925/

I know I've seen something like this on a firefish before; @melypr1985 might remember better than I.

Ok, well I guess this is good news in a way. Prazipro treatment is currently happening. I will update the community as to the progress.

aykwm · Jul 9, 2017

Agree with all the previous inputs

Thats good that you have already started prazi just in case its parasitic. I would suggest acriflavine bath if you have it on hand since if its parasitic worm it will help it detach, it also prevent secondary infections.

XNavyDiver · Jul 9, 2017

aykwm said:
Agree with all the previous inputs

Thats good that you have already started prazi just in case its parasitic. I would suggest acriflavine bath if you have it on hand since if its parasitic worm it will help it detach, it also prevent secondary infections.

Can you recommend a brand name that acriflavine comes under?

Maritimer · Jul 9, 2017

Ruby Reef Rally contains acriflavine . . .

~Bruce

XNavyDiver · Jul 9, 2017

Maritimer said:
Ruby Reef Rally contains acriflavine . . .

~Bruce

Thank you!

aykwm · Jul 9, 2017

Yes, either Ruby Reef Rally, or Acriflavine MS.

melypr1985 · Jul 9, 2017

Humblefish said:
Assuming it is a trematode, the following treatments should eradicate it (listed in order of preference):

Prazipro: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/prazipro.247598/

Freshwater Dip: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/freshwater-dip.248898/

Formalin: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/formalin.290925/

I know I've seen something like this on a firefish before; @melypr1985 might remember better than I.