please help diagnose

[snappenin]

About three days ago I noticed my jawfish (my absolute favorite) had a whit spot on his head, that has now become 3. I don't see them anywhere but his head. He is flashing on the sand and even rubbing himself on the inside of the rock den he has created. He also seems to "gasp" occasionally and tonite seemed to have some trouble swallowing, though his appetite was okay. He's in a 65g reef tank with other fish, none of which have spots. I am new to the hobby and didn't know to quarantine. I have had an issue with nitrates the past few days because a rougue piece of algae got into my return pump, causing it to run dry about two hours. Yesterday I took pics to my LFS, and no one seems to know what he has. Losing the little guy would break my heart, he is full of personality. It may not look like much, but he's definitely got something. I'm hoping someone has seen this before and can help. Thanks in advance.

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[Newsmyrna80]

Have you tried a FW dip? These could be flukes. Flashing, gasping, site specificity are typical of flukes.

 

[snappenin]

Have you tried a FW dip? These could be flukes. Flashing, gasping, site specificity are typical of flukes.

No, I haven't. I thought it could be flukes as well. I am scared to do a freshwater dip, lol. Does it pose risks to the fish? Isn't there a possibility of reinfection?

 

[Fiudom]

Its either sand or ICH is how I think its pronounced

 

[Newsmyrna80]

No, I haven't. I thought it could be flukes as well. I am scared to do a freshwater dip, lol. Does it pose risks to the fish? Isn't there a possibility of reinfection?

FW dips are safe as long as you do them right. I have done them with various fish and have not lost one yet. Here is a good reference on performing a dip. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/dips_baths.htm
The biggest thing is to aerate the water very well. Also be sure to match the temp and the pH. Use a dark container if you have one. This will help you to be able to see the flukes easier. If you are unable to identify flukes then take a pic of the dip afterwards and post it on here.
If the fish does have flukes they will not go away on their own. You will have to treat with Prazi.

 

[snappenin]

FW dips are safe as long as you do them right. I have done them with various fish and have not lost one yet. Here is a good reference on performing a dip. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/dips_baths.htm
The biggest thing is to aerate the water very well. Also be sure to match the temp and the pH. Use a dark container if you have one. This will help you to be able to see the flukes easier. If you are unable to identify flukes then take a pic of the dip afterwards and post it on here.
If the fish does have flukes they will not go away on their own. You will have to treat with Prazi.

Okay. Thank you very much for the help.