Can anyone ID this parasite?

[bpcass]

40x

I purchased a purple firefish 8 days ago, has been in QT since arrival. When I checked on it tonight it was on the bottom checking out. I got it into a specimen container and found several parasites around the head and pectoral fin areas. Parasites are 5-7 mm long, oblong, translucent to tan colored. They are firmly fixed at one end (can easily see how under the scope) and frequently rotate around this point. This fish is a goner, really glad I quarantine.


40x


100x darkfield


400x

 

[bpcass]

Parasites attached ahead of and behind pectoral fin. Another just below eye.

 

[Newsmyrna80]

100% guarantee.....neobenedenia! Most likely of the girellae variety. AKA flukes!!!

 

[bpcass]

Thanks, I think you nailed it. It looks like I could have done a freshwater dip to try to remove these, but my fish was too far gone before I realized something was wrong. Really glad I use a QT, these sound like nasties to have in the main aquarium. Considering adding freshwater dips as part of my routine check-in procedure.
I feel like my microscope purchase is already paying off. I may try to stain and or do a permanent mount of one of these guys. Will post pics here if I do.

 

[Deinonych]

This is a great example of why QT is a must. I always start treatment with Prazipro within 48 hours of getting new fish since flukes are so prevalent.

Great pictures.

 

[Newsmyrna80]

I have way too much experience with this particular fluke. They are very hard to get rid of. After having many months of problems with flukes and no successful remedy I got a microscope and discovered this little bugger. I have quite a few of them on slides The last picture is of the fluke's haptor. They dig these in to the fish's skin to hang on while the fish is swimming or when it scratches. This, of course, is why the fish scratches.
Freshwater dips and Prazi are part of my QT regimen providing the fish's health is good.

 

[bpcass]

Future fish purchases are going to get a much more thorough physical exam as well. In 2 years this is the first fish I have had get sick. There were some hermits in the QT as well, not sure what I am going to do with them. It doesn't seem like these parasites would feed on the crabs, but they could have eggs attached. They may go into a miniature QT tank (large ball jar) for a few months. Crabs are cheap, but I would hate to just exterminate them.

 

[Newsmyrna80]

After 2 weeks they should be ok. Neobenedenia life cycle without a host: adult can live up to 6 days. Even if an adult lays eggs it takes 4-6 days for it to hatch. At 78 degrees they hatch at 4 days. The larvae (oncomaridium) has to find a host within 24 hours or it dies.
I went through having inverts exposed to flukes...all I did was transfer them and the water in a bucket with a piece of LR and an air stone. After a month I introduced them into the main. Never had any problems.

 

[bpcass]

Thats about what I had in mind. Made some permanent mounts last night. Isopropyl alcohol and acetic acid for fixation. Glycerin as medium. Clear nail polish to seal.