Cleaner Shrimp Bump

[Natural Blue]

Our cleaner shrimp just molted a couple of days ago and we noticed a bump on his side. Didn't notice it before but it's possible it could have been there since he is always in the rocks and hard to see.

After countless searching on here I think it's an epicaridean isopod. I've seen and read the same link passed around about isopods but I can't find a definite answer on if the epicaridean isopod is bad for the rest of the tank or just the shrimp? It will be a feat in itself to get this guy out and try and remove it. Would just like to know if I can't get him out if it will spread to the fish?

 

[Natural Blue]

Just spent the last 30 minutes trying to get him out but never could snag him.

Here a couple pics. New at this so if anyone could let me know how this will impact the rest of the tank.

 

[MrTuskfish]

I've taken similar isopods off fish that have been in the tank for weeks, never saw another one. But I sure can't guess if this will reproduce and bother anything; but most parasites are very specific about a meal. Fish parasites don't bother inverts, cat fleas don't bother dogs, etc.

 

[Natural Blue]

I've taken similar isopods off fish that have been in the tank for weeks, never saw another one. But I sure can't guess if this will reproduce and bother anything; but most parasites are very specific about a meal. Fish parasites don't bother inverts, cat fleas don't bother dogs, etc.

Well, hopefully that's the case. I tried to get that little bugger out again but he just keeps finding places to hide in the rock.

 

[Sk8r]

Try holding a piece of raw shrimp or the like in your tank, in hand or net: a shrimp will often come to that bait, and you can clamp same against the glass and draw him to the surface.