ID Please.

[Humblefish]

Prazi appears to be having no impact. You have 3 options (in order of preference):

1. Freshwater dip to see if it will dislodge
2. Formalin bath to see if exposure to formaldehyde will kill it
   
3. Manual removal with tweezers

 

[aykwm]

Agree. Hopefully it detach soon, but great to hear the fish is not that stressed and is acting normally.

 

[XNavyDiver]

Freshwater dip it is then. I watched that video. I will do this when the wife is not around. She would faaa reeek out.

 

[Humblefish]

Freshwater dip it is then. I watched that video. I will do this when the wife is not around. She would faaa reeek out.

If this is your first time doing one, check & double check everything: Use RODI, temperature match with the QT perfectly, aerate the dip water for at least 30 mins beforehand, no longer than 5 mins in the dip.

Also, a firefish is likely to jump while you're catching it and also whilst in the FW dip. So, be aware of that and take necessary precautions.

 

[XNavyDiver]

Freshwater dip gearing up. Rodi water aireating.

 

[XNavyDiver]

Freshwater dip complete. Patient is alive and well, unfortunately so is his nasty hitchhiker. How long do I wait for another 5 minute dip?

 

[Humblefish]

How long do I wait for another 5 minute dip?

At least 24-48 hrs so he can recover.

However, if the worm is still there come then I'd be considering a formalin bath or manual removal next.

 

[XNavyDiver]

Ok...manual removal. Any good videos or advise for this? I'm thinking it's going to have to be layed out on it's left side under the magnifying glass.

I have to admit a bit of anxiety about this. I'm afraid of harming the fish.

 

[Maritimer]

With the caveat that I've never done this, but have seen demonstrations of surgery on koi, you might consider laying something soaked in saltwater over the fish while you work, leaving only the worm exposed. That should help to calm - or at least slow - the fish's movements, giving you a moment to grab the worm with forceps.

I'd be worried about how that thing's anchored, and suspect that you'll want some antibiotics before you're done.

~Bruce, wishing you luck and a steady hand

 

[Humblefish]

It would be ideal if you could sedate him using MS-222. A local vet may have some so you don't have to order it online.

And then just pull it out while he's in a container of water, like you see being done here with anchor worms:

 

[XNavyDiver]

He seems to know what's coming next and has zero interest in letting me net him. I'll have to take things out of the QT when I get home tonight. That's parasite has not slowed him down any.

 

[XNavyDiver]

Finally got this bugger off the firefish. It wasn't easy. Manual removal. See pics. Anyone know what the heck these little monsters are?

 

[Humblefish]

Possibly a Capillaria nematode (roundworm). Look here: https://fishpathogens.net/pathogen/capillaria

More info: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa091

@Lionfish Lair, what do you think?

 

[Empress]

Gross. Glad you got it out. Gave me the willies.

 

[XNavyDiver]

Gross. Glad you got it out. Gave me the willies.

You and me both. If you scaled up to human size, it would have been a 12 inch curly worm stuck to your neck. Ahhhhhhg!

 

[melypr1985]

Eeek! That's creepy.

 

[Bdog4u2]

 

[Kyl]

Finally got this bugger off the firefish. It wasn't easy. Manual removal. See pics. Anyone know what the heck these little monsters are?

Congrats on helping out your little fish buddy! Would risk of secondary infection be the main concern now from whatever entry / wound site is left?

 

[XNavyDiver]

Congrats on helping out your little fish buddy! Would risk of secondary infection be the main concern now from whatever entry / wound site is left?

It was when I did it, all's good with that little guy.

 

[Kyl]

It was when I did it, all's good with that little guy.

Darn, I didn't even see the date on that.. must have sorted wrong. Sorry for bumping this old thread, but good to hear it worked out.