Bubble on my Skunk Shrimp!

[ChuckNasty]

Can anyone I.D. what this may be? Should I be worried? I've done a little reading, and it looks like it may be a parasite? Only been in the tank 2 days.

 

[cincyjim]

Looks like the start of molting to me.

 

[ChuckNasty]

I've never seen my other shrimp get a bubble on him like that when hes about to molt... maybe though.

 

[eddiereefs]

Its a parasitic isopod

 

[eddiereefs]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2026645

 

[A sea K]

My cleaner has a bubble that looks identical to what ChuckNasty posted. I dont think it is a isopod but I could be wrong, he was sent to the sump quite a while back so I dont see him much anymore. Anyway, he has been with me for quite a few months and MANY molts, also grown considerably since when I first got him with no noticed ill effects from the bubble.

 

[Shawn O]

That bubble looks transparent, I don't think those Isopods are transparent, are they?

 

[ChuckNasty]

I am definitely not too sure of myself when it comes to surgery on marine animals haha, so Im not sure what to do if it really is a parasite.

 

[jmowbray]

I'm 99.9% positive that its molt getting ready to come off. In a couple hours or a day check around the tank it's should come off in one piece. If it's having a hard time and its taking days you need to check your iodine levels. Iodine is a necessity when it comes to molting.

 

[ChuckNasty]

Well I know for a fact my inverts dont have issues molting, because my other skunk molts once every 2 weeks, and just molted the other day... Along with my hermits. I'll give it some time.

 

[ChuckNasty]

Well, been about 3 days, and its still there, no molting has taken place yet... Any ideas?

 

[jchassie6312]

Its probably a stupid question but where is the bubble?

 

[ChuckNasty]

Pics attached on original post.

 

[eddiereefs]

Location is indicative of isopod however it looks clear, inspect by hand, more pics