Flukes?

[StrangeDejavu]

I bought a Firefish this weekend from my trusted LFS. Never had any problems with parasites or disease of any kind, so I felt comfortable buying from them. Stupid me, I trusted them a bit too much and didn't QT (will be changing that). My Purple Firefish has a great appetite but is pretty shy. His fins were a little rough, but I can see new growth already in only 2 days. He hangs out behind the rockwork, facing the flow of the wavemaker and eats copepods in the water column almost constantly. Any kind of quick movement outside of the tank and he bolts into his hole in the rock. His left eye is looking a little cloudy and he has two clear flaps near his head that look like the skin has lifted up and is hanging there. I figured the skin & eye problem was just damage since he was in a tank with a Basslet, maybe the net scratched his eye, etc. His bottom lip looks a a little swollen, like there's something on it. I also noticed a few head shakes here and there, but no flashing or any other symptoms that I can tell.

I have PraziPro on hand if needed.

Here's a video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aad_DF1iXFc

 

[StrangeDejavu]

Wow, okay, nevermind then. Fed him NLS and mysis soaked in Garlic and VitaChem around 6pm (the Banggai got some too) and I just walked in the room to witness him passing. What the heck? I did a WC today thinking it would help the cloudy eye (this is how i've fixed it in the past in my freshwater tanks) and he seemed to go downhill after that. Banggai looks fantastic, so I don't know.

For those wondering, I acclimated by pouring in about 1/4 cup every 10 minutes for 60 minutes. Not necessary since their system is kept at the same salinity, but I felt it a good thing to do.

 

[StrangeDejavu]

I'm thinking Monogenean flukes. I dropped fish's body in RODI water and 3 large, flatworm looking things fell off after about 10 minutes.

The fluke in question, for reference:

 

[StrangeDejavu]

Guess i'm on my own with this one.

 

[mattcoug]

Guess i'm on my own with this one.

Sounds like you are doing everything right. I do like the pictures, they are very good for others seeing this thread in the future.

You will need to do a couple more dips over several days to ensure you got all the flukes, or start with pratzi.

 

[Big E]

I've been following along.........great documentation. I don't have any advice as I've never dealt with them, but it would be good to get some input from the experts.

 

[mattcoug]

Sounds like you are doing everything right. I do like the pictures, they are very good for others seeing this thread in the future.

You will need to do a couple more dips over several days to ensure you got all the flukes, or start with pratzi.

I missed the point that the fish already passed, but I stand by that you were doing the right thing. You also need to consider now that all the fish may be infected so you can consider starting prazi treatment for everyone else.

 

[StrangeDejavu]

I dosed Prazi that night just in case. The Banggai appears to be okay, but I think i'm losing my macro. :/ My LFS has a no return policy but the owner is a great guy and gave me store credit anyway. With that, I bought a bottle of Dr. Tim's and I will be cycling a QT. I knew better, i've been in freshwater for years, I guess I just wanted to think it wouldn't happen to me. The long wait begins, lol.

Here's two more pics for documentation/ID purposes: