How to remove a parasite?

[shifty99]

My juv. blueface angel has a "growth" on his side. When I first noticed it a week ago, I thought it was a scale sticking up(thought maybe he got in a tussle with my trigger) but it hasn't gone away or healed. It seems to have grown into a milky-white wart looking thing. Sort of like a wart I guess. Looked into parasites on the web and it doesn't really look like an Isopod, but that is the closest thing I have found. It is recomended to remove these with a pair of tweezers or the like, but I am wondering how to do this without stressing or injuring the little guy. Should I remove him from the water for a brief period to remove it or leave him in the net and try it?

[calebjk]

if you have a cleaner shrimp it should take care of the parasite. You could also try a fresh water dip, just put him in some RO for a minuet or two, you may have to repeat after a week, but you should notice an almost immediate difference after the first dip. if not then post a pic. once photographed and posted on the internet most parasites simply disappear. not really, but it may help to properly identify and treat.
Getting caught and dipped is stressful for a fish, and sometime the stress of the dip does more harm than good. so, don't chase the fish for 2 hours, if you don't catch it right away the try later.

[TerryB]

It is probably a lymphocystis lesion and not a parasite. Could you describe it as sort of looking like cauliflower? Lymphocystis is a viral infection. No real treatment other than to provide a low stress environment, good water quality, a widely varied diet and some supplements like adding vitamins (like Zoe) and fatty acids like Selcon to the food. It can heal if you get the fish otherwise healthy.

Terry B

[shifty99]

Thanx for the replies. I just got home from work and now it looks like it is just a scale coming off of his side. It's almost fallen off and there is pink skin underneath it. Hopefully it will grow back soon and all will be well again. Thanx

Ed

[pitogo]

Does the parasite look like this? I took him out to the QT tank and within a week it healed, the last few pics are with him back in the main tank.

http://www.pitogo.com/photos/knb07/Site/Clown%20fish%20and%20Anemone_files/P4042294.jpg

http://www.pitogo.com/photos/knb07/Site/Clown%20fish%20and%20Anemone_files/P4042308.jpg

http://www.pitogo.com/photos/knb07/Site/Clown%20fish%20and%20Anemone_files/P4092325.jpg

http://www.pitogo.com/photos/knb07/Site/Clown%20fish%20and%20Anemone_files/P4092326.jpg

http://www.pitogo.com/photos/knb07/Site/Clown%20fish%20and%20Anemone_files/P4092328.jpg

http://www.pitogo.com/photos/knb07/Site/Clown%20fish%20and%20Anemone_files/P4192340.jpg

http://www.pitogo.com/photos/knb07/Site/Clown%20fish%20and%20Anemone_files/P4192342.jpg

http://www.pitogo.com/photos/knb07/Site/Clown%20fish%20and%20Anemone_files/P4192343.jpg

[sdaousa]

Yes cleaner shrimp will do the job. Do you have uv sterilizer? It's good to have it.

[shifty99]

Well it was a false alarm. Just a scale that peeled off. Should heal soon. I have a uv sterilizer.
Pitogo- glad to see your clown doing better. He is looking good nice pics. I have a maroon clown myself and he is quite the character.