Is this a worm?

[Netta]

Hi all,
I'm new to the forum and new to saltwater fish, also. I do have years of experience with old world cichlids, though.
I noticed this thing on my fish last night that looks like a worm. Is that what it is? If so, what do I do? I'm hoping I don't have to catch the fish. That would be impossible without tearing apart my whole tank.

 

[MrTuskfish]

Looks like it could be a worm. Most worms can be killed with Prazi-Pro. This is a very effective and safe med; the only med I'd ever use in a DT. It will control external (mostly flukes) and many internal worms in all of your fish. It will kill featherdusters, though. Are you using a quarantine tank? If not, I'd sure get one before adding any new fish. IMO & IME; a QT is an absolute necessity for success in this hobby/addiction. Also IMO; all new fish should be treated for worms with PP while in the QT.

 

[Netta]

Thanks for the reply. Is this also safe for invertebrates? I also have a pistol shrimp and some hermit crabs and snails. I didn't use a quarantine tank for these guys because these are the first inhabitants of the tank. I see how that isn't the smartest thinking now. It sure makes treating problems harder...
I do have a tank I plan to use to quarantine any new additions. I will also treat all new fish for worms. I did this with my wikd caught cichlids so i dont know why i didn't think to do this with this guy, also. I don't plan to get many more as this is a smallish tank but hopefully I haven't contaminated it forever.

I forgot to mention that he seems to be yawning a lot. Could this be a symptom of some other problem?

 

[MrTuskfish]

PP is safe for inverts; the only med I would ever trust in a reef tank. I really don't like to use any med in any DT, but I trust this stuff. You can search this forum for Prazi-pro and check comments. No idea what the "yawning" is. My knowledge of small bottom dwellers is very limited.