Possible parasite on peppermint?

[mjszos]

Apologies in advance if this is the wrong forum - I didn’t see much diagnosis in the invert section…

Picked up these 2 peppermints today and noticed one of them has a large lump. Research shows this may be a parasitic isopod, looking for confirmation on this. Additionally, as with most things in this hobby I’ve seen polar opposite opinions - it’s either as bad as the plague or totally harmless. If there’s a chance this may spread to the crabs, other shrimps, or the fish. LFS said it should go away after a molt, I trust their opinion but always good to have a 2nd!

Tank is a 15g with a single clown and various mushrooms, LPS, and some hermits.

Thanks!

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Pics are too blue to really see much.
If you think there's something on the shrimp that can be removed, then I'd try to do that rather than wait for it to fall off and possibly infect the tank...
Or, take it back to the LFS and exchange it for another one

 

[mjszos]

Here’s some better pics without the blue. Was trying to snap them before a reply came in!

I included a pic of another one without the lump on it.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thanks. I'm not sure what exactly you're concerned about... I don't see a parasite (but I have old eyes, lol)

 

[mjszos]

Thanks. I'm not sure what exactly you're concerned about... I don't see a parasite (but I have old eyes, lol)

This is what I’m talking about. I took it back to the store so they could take a closer look - they just said s/he is well fed. Not that I disagree, but I am overly cautious as it’s such a small tank.

 

[Bryant1991]

Looks like a parasite to me. Mine has same thing. I haven't noticed it spread at all.

 

[CoralB]

This is what I’m talking about. I took it back to the store so they could take a closer look - they just said s/he is well fed. Not that I disagree, but I am overly cautious as it’s such a small tank.

I’d take it back and exchange or get credit . If they don’t think it’s a issue let them deal with it .

 

[WheatToast]

Might be an epicaridean isopod, which does not negatively impact its host shrimp much despite being a blood-sucking parasite.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-05/rs/

 

[Cantusaurus]

Hey, you should check out age of aquariums on instagram. I saw a post where they actually show how to remove these parasites from peppermint shrimp. Apparently these are fairly common in shrimps. Hopefully you can find it.

 

[CoralB]

Hey, you should check out age of aquariums on instagram. I saw a post where they actually show how to remove these parasites from peppermint shrimp. Apparently these are fairly common in shrimps. Hopefully you can find it.

That’s nuts !!! Let the lfs remove it . You don’t buy a new car with a cracked windshield even though it’s easy to replace !!! Get a swap or refund !!!!!!