fungus or parasite

[weirdbeard]

yesterday i noticed for the first time a soft fleshy growth on the side of one of my seahorse, which is now in isolation. i have 6 total ,4 shrimpfish, and 3 pipefish in a 90 gal. 6" sand bottom with a 40 gal. fuge. salinity is .023, ph runs between 8.0 and 8.3, temp around 72.none of the other tank reidents appear to be showing any signs and this one still has somewhat of an appetite... please excuse the pic quality....(cell phones)...i was hoping someone would know what this could be and the best way to treat it (if any)...thanks in advance

 

[rayjay]

I've not seen anything like that on my seahorses.
Have you tried to brush it off?
If it comes off and the skin below looks normal then you probably are OK, whatever it is.
However, if the skin is damaged underneath it, you will have to medicated with antibiotics in the hospital tank and allow the skin to repair itself.
Hopefully someone that has experience this before can see and reply to this post.

 

[weirdbeard]

just a quick update...after soaking in a medicated dip, oblect appears to br traveling down the seahorses body..i'm thinking more along the lines of a parasite...maybe

 

[rayjay]

Maybe try a fresh water dip matching the pH and temperature to the tank water.
Have you tried to lift it off the seahorse?

 

[weirdbeard]

after another dip today, i used a soft bristle tooth brush and finally got it to release...i still think it was a parasite, but at least its gone for now....a few more dips and some observational isolation and i think she will be ok