Sick firefish or run in with a bristle worm?

[tzabor10]

My new addition is looking rough. Not getting harassed and hides in a cave half the time. All other fish appear normal. The little hairs on the mouth and head are concerning.

 

[JayM]

Can’t really tell with all the blue.

 

[vetteguy53081]

My new addition is looking rough. Not getting harassed and hides in a cave half the time. All other fish appear normal. The little hairs on the mouth and head are concerning.

Ipics best under white light intensity but if it has bristles attached, just leave them- will fall off on it’s own
Attempting to pull off can lead to infection or bleeding

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Does it come out to feed?

 

[twentyleagues]

Wow thats crazy! I have never seen that in a fish, my finger YES!

 

[tzabor10]

Does it come out to feed?

Yes it comes out for food. Sorry about the low quality pics. But it is small and skittish. Bristles are new for today.

 

[exnisstech]

Wow thats crazy! I have never seen that in a fish, my finger YES!

Same. It will be ammo for the bristle worms haters