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11-29-2012, 02:26 AM #1
Help me ID this parasite? (photo included)
Hello Aquatic Community,
Wow... it seems like whenever I post on a forum of any sort it is usually bad news. I feel a bit guilty. Anyways, here is the situation, maybe someone can help:
On Sunday the 25th I noticed something white sticking out from the side of my largest Blind Cave Tetra. It is hard to ID. Trust me I have been googling fish parasites for the last few days. Initially I thought it was Ich, but it seems a little too big. Then I thought it was a scale that is coming off. I have ditched that hypothesis because it doesn't look like the other scales.
Behavioral observations seem inconclusive. Sometimes I notice her hovering near the bottom occasionally "yawning," nose angled down. Always in the spot I feed them. She is still eating. Other times she is swimming around merrily with the rest.
I think I can rule out fish lice because of the coloration and lack of black spots on the parasite. The part that appears to actually attach to the fish looks a little darker and sort of pointed, reminds me of a tick's mouthpiece. Perhaps it is some sort of fluke?
Parameters:
Nitrates: 0
Temp: 75F
Hardness: uncertain
Salinity: uncertain
Additives: flourish excel (daily), flourish comp (biweekly)
These are the actions I have taken so far.
- Immediate 25% water change. It was water change day anyways, I aim to do them approx every 12 days.
- Netted the tetra and gave her a 1hr paraguard dip in my bucket. 3cc/gal
- Dosed tank with 8cc paraguard per day since sunday. The tank is 20 gal. The instructions say 5cc per 10 gal. I figure 8cc makes sense because I am trying to compensate for decor and substrate displacement.
- Dosed ~4cc melafix. This is a small dose, and I dont plan to do any more because I am not sure if it will interact with the paraguard.
I was tempted to try a salt bath but I cannot find definite answers regarding cave tetras and salt baths.
I have linked images. I tried to enhance the contrast in one of them. Sorry for the blurryness, I worked with what I have - a magnifying glass, phone camera, and patience. Any input on this issue is greatly appreciated.

Last edited by Public Alias; 11-29-2012 at 02:31 AM.





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