Clown Fish Parasite???

[rf]

I have a clown fish that is probably only months old, and I noticed tonight that there is something protruding from it's mouth. It appears to look like a small head with two black eyes. My initial thoughts is that it is some type of worm like parasite. Has anyone experienced this before and what are your suggestions for treatment, should I try to remove it?? Thanks. I would post a pic but my camera wouldn't do it justice.

[rf]

Update:

I finally netted my clown after several hours of trying to sneak up on him. I tried a fresh water dip and as soon as I pulled him out of the dip with my hand, this small creature slid right out of his mouth.

My clown is doing well now back in the main tank, but I have this creature swimming in my 2.5 gal dip tank. I looks and acts like a shrimp. Size is about the same as a brine shrimp. Color is white with two black eyes.

Anyone else ever experienced this?

[LukFox]

Sounds like a parasitic isopod. Terrible things, but at least it's off now. Hopefully there aren't more lurking about the tank.

[Peter Eichler]

Here, this should help you understand a little better what you're dealing with.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-05/rs/index.php

[rf]

Thanks for the link. It is definetely an isopod, probably the Cirolanid or the Aegid. Nasty little bug, and I am glad I didn't let it get on my hand after reading about the girl in that article. Yikes! Hopefully I caught this one before it released its brood. I have never seen these before and it was so strange how it just lay right inside the Clown's mouth looking out as though it were its lair.

I'll have to keep my eye on the rest of my fish for the next several weeks to make sure there are no more attacks.

[Travis L. Stevens]

Most likely a Cirolanid Isopod. It sounds like a Tongue Eating Isopod, but it is EXTREMELY DOUBTFUL that it is. They're still interesting.