LF ID - Spikes/Threads in fish's cheek

[FBNitro]

Looking at my Brown Clown Goby today, I noticed a few threads or spikes sticking out of his cheek.

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WY5zmk97hwVPiqjBffSLcQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xTfh8qF56zY/ScWT4J577PI/AAAAAAAAAks/5MphrjEm_kM/s400/DSC03093.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/FBNitro/ID?feat=embedwebsite">ID</a></td></tr></table>

Just under the eye, there's a thin white line in that photo running from the eye downwards at a 5 o'clock angle. The line is not on the body, it's sticking out. There's another 2 visible running along where the mouth would be if it kept going back. You can see them sticking out like whiskers in this photo (on the right side from the photo's POV)

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/52TNu7kx_-Kj6vvKyO3OHw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xTfh8qF56zY/ScWVGACJxKI/AAAAAAAAAk4/qpvsz00m1iQ/s400/DSC03100.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/FBNitro/ID?feat=embedwebsite">ID</a></td></tr></table>

(follow the links and hit the zoom button for closer looks) Anyone have an idea what they are? I'm guessing Bristleworm spikes maybe, but I don't know.

 

[FBNitro]

Since I didn't get any responses to the last time I asked, here's another shot from today. These are in the side of the fish, I took it with actinics only so it'll stand out:

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pX5p0PKVZVOF4JWjDVzKVA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xTfh8qF56zY/SeVA0ohOkiI/AAAAAAAAAm4/3V80lEUgPGc/s800/DSC03128.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/FBNitro/ID?feat=embedwebsite">ID</a></td></tr></table>

Anyone have ideas, suggestions, recommendations?

 

[VacavilleFC3S]

maybe he got stuck by a bristleworm

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

^^^ That's my thought too.

 

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14829323#post14829323 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Sugar Magnolia
^^^ That's my thought too.

me too unless the OP has a pin cushion urchin in the tank or a foxface rabbit fish

 

[FBNitro]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14829793#post14829793 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
me too unless the OP has a pin cushion urchin in the tank or a foxface rabbit fish

Neither of the above. The funny thing is, gone this morning, couple marks where they were. Someone local suggested you wouldn't be able to see bristleworm spikes, thinks I should search for a disease/parasite etc... I did a quick search, haven't found anything close to that.

 

[sdc19982002]

Could be some kind of fluke

 

[leventis72]

They are anchor worms like a leech and suck blood.
If you can catch the fish you can pull them off with tweezers
or dip fish in fw for about 3 minutes

 

[FBNitro]

He shouldn't be hard to catch, seems to hover around anything I add to the tank. I could probably put a net in and he'll go right into it.

Are you sure that's what it is? Do they detach, or just stay attached all the time? I have 3 fish in the tank, I've only ever seen these on this guy.

As far as FW dipping the fish (never done it before), how do I do it safely? Obviously RO/DI water w/heater, get the temps to match. Drop in 3 mins, hope he lives and put him back in the tank after?

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14829920#post14829920 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FBNitro
Neither of the above. The funny thing is, gone this morning, couple marks where they were.

Well, then if that's the case, then I'd suggest keeping an eye on the fish. You can either remove it to QT to keep a closer eye on it, or leave it in the DT. If it were me, I'd leave it and just watch. FWIW, I've had bristle worm bristles in my fingers before. I pulled them with tweezers, they are really small, but are a real pain if left in.

 

[fender4string]

For freshwater dips (if you end up doing one) you have to match temp, salinity, and the pH of your DT water. Just to note, you can see bristle worm spines-I saw a picture somewhere on this site where a guy got stuck by one. The bristles were clearly sticking out of his finger. I'm not saying that's what happened to your fish but maybe that's back in the running for causes.

 

[sdc19982002]

For freshwater dips (if you end up doing one) you have to match temp, salinity, and the pH of your DT water. Just to note, you can see bristle worm spines-I saw a picture somewhere on this site where a guy got stuck by one. The bristles were clearly sticking out of his finger. I'm not saying that's what happened to your fish but maybe that's back in the running for causes.

You dont want to mach the salinity( it wouldnt be a freshwater dip).

 

[fender4string]

OMG that was dumb............lol thanks for clarifying :rollface:

 

[Aquarist007]

Here is a blog on how to fresh water dip:

http://www.reefcentral.com/wp/?p=283

 

[FBNitro]

Thanks everyone, I'll keep an eye out for it... I'll update this thread with any progress.