Worm hanging out of Firefish!

[Shift_9k]

Hey guys need an ID on this worm type thing that is hanging out of my firefish's left gill.

 

[Napalm]

I can't really tell what it is. Is this fish in quarantine? You may want to try a FW dip and see if it falls off. If it is a worm you may also try something like Praziquantel (Prazi Pro). What have you done so far?

 

[Shift_9k]

So far nothing the fish is not behaving any different and seems to be quite happy. I'm gonna try a FW dip, hopefully before thanksgiving.

 

[stevensun]

It could be either Parasitic Isopods or Fish Lice. A FW dip should help or you can manurally remove it.

 

[Shift_9k]

how long should i dip for?

 

[JRaquatics]

make sure the FW has the same PH as your tank water. good luck.

 

[stevensun]

The length of the dip differs on each case, mostly depending on fish's reaction. You should google fresh water dip tips and there is lots of helpful articles. Be sure to adjust FW's PH and temperature to those of the main tank and pump air while dipping.

 

[billsreef]

FW dip should be at least 1 minute, up to 5 minutes in most cases. Some fish will tolerate longer. Often a fish in a FW dip will lay down on it's side, don't let that worry you if it happens. If the fish really, really starts skitzing out, beyond the initial introduction to the bath, it is time to end the bath.

 

[cee]

Parasitic copepod is my guess. My purple firefish had one and lived for years with it. I tried FW baths and extracting it with tweezers to no avail. Good luck.