Expert: Chester Mihalicz - 9/9/2007

Question
Hey I have a question about some wormlike things on my fish.
I have two Pajama Cardinals and one Coral Pygmy Angel(?) well, One of the cardinals and the angel both have these white spots on them. Now I thought it was ich at first until the cardinal got it. It is only on the heads of the two fish, but on the cardinal, since it is white you can kind of see that it is a wormlike thing that goes under the skin. Meaning it has to be some sort of burrowing parasite, right? Well I am not sure how to cure the two fish. I have tried freshwater baths but whatever these things are just suck up under the skin until the fish is back in the saltwater tank then they will emerge from under the skin again. Copper is not effective either. Please assist me in saving these fish. I beleive I do not have much time as the coral beauty angel is hanging by the top in the current.

Answer
Hi Terry,

I am very sorry, I am not positive as what these parasites are, but yes, they defiantly sound like a parasite to me.  They could be anchor worms, but without further identification, I cannot be positive.  Please look at this website http://www.tropical-fish-aquarium-secrets.com/fish_diseases%5B1%5D.pdf  You may be able to match up some of the characteristics and fishes behaviors to one of the parasites they have listed.  They will also be able to provide pictures for you and hopefully one you may recognize as your problem. They will provide you with the suggested treatments as well.

I really hope this was helpful and I hope you find something that works for you.

Chester