New Fish could have parasites

[Speeddemon7]

Hello everyone,
I am new here and I have been doing some research before posting this question. I believe my fish has either anchor worms or Ergasilus. First of all it is a bi color angel that I bought today. I didnt notice them till I got home and was able to see them under my aquarium lights. I do have coral and many inverts in my tank. I do have the option to set up a quarantine tank if necessary. He has only been in my main tank for about 6 hours. My questions are should I move him to a quarantine tank and treat him or will he go into shock? Are dips more effective as I have never done one? Lastly from the research I have done potassium permanganate seems to be the choice? Is there anything out there that is better? I am new to salt water but am determined to learn. Thanks in advance!

 

[Jacob D]

Hi Speeddemon. Sorry to hear about your angelfish. What are you seeing that causes you to think it could be anchor worms?


Anchor worms do have a free swimming stage in their lifecycle so you do not want them infecting your tank. If it is indeed an anchor worm infestation you'll want to set up a QT immediately, in fact I would just set it up now regardless. If you have questions on the setting it up feel free to ask.

As for treatment, I have seen potassium permanganate recommended as well as copper. A freshwater dip may work as well, but I would not count on it.


Good luck, keep us posted.

 

[Speeddemon7]

I feel like such a noob I stayed up last night trying to figure out what it was exactly. I think I have finally figured it out. Some bi color angel fish have white protrusion coming out of the gill area. At first glance they look like parasites, but after a stressful google search in the image area I found many bi colors with similar protrusions as well. So I think it is just the nature of the fish.
http://www.reefhotspot.com/store/images/PPangel_bicolor.jpg
Just below the gill shows what I was concerned about. Thanks anyways guys. I will defiantly be sticking around so much useful info on here.

 

[LukFox]

You mean the gill spine? That is common in angels and nothing to worry about.

 

[JHemdal]

Besides, anchor worm (Lernaea) is a FW parasites, one of the best treatments is to dose the tank with salt.

Jay